Although South Australians are the best recyclers in the nation, we can still do better by reducing our contamination.

Incorrect items in the recycling bin is called contamination and will sometimes mean the whole load is rejected by our recycling contractor and will be sent to landfill at additional cost to the community.

Contamination causes problems during the sorting of recyclables, as well as decreasing the likelihood of the item to be recycled into a new product. In some cases, just a one contaminated bins can ruin an entire truckload of recyclables.

NO, NOs -The top 10 to keep out of the kerbside recycling bin

1. Plastic bags – but please do not place your recycling in a bag. Plastics bags and other soft plastics can be placed in REDCycle bins at major supermarkets, but as a last resort soft plastic must go in the general waste to landfill bin
2. E-Waste – not in any kerbside bin – must be recycled at FRWA waste and recycling depots
3. Textiles – no clothes, shoes, fabric, pillows, blankets or quilts in the kerbside recycling bin. If in good condition try the charity shops or as a last resort all textiles must go in the general waste to landfill bin
4. Food or drinks – the mess made by liquids in the recycle bin can contaminate a whole load of recycling (meaning it will get sent to landfill) – please empty and rinse any cartons or hard plastic containers before putting them in the recycle bin (remember so drink containers are worth 10c)
5. Polystyrene foam (packing, meat trays, coffee cups) is not recyclable in the kerbside recycle bin – foam must go in the general waste to landfill bin
6. Shredded paper – falls through cracks and clogs recycling machinery, small amounts can be blended in with damp gardens greens in the food organics and garden organics bin
7. Toughened glass – Broken glass treasures are not recyclable in the kerbside recycling bin –  Pyrex, Crown Corning, glassware, table top and window glass has higher melting point than glass jars and bottles and must go in the general waste to landfill bin
8. Nappies – NO nappies or incontinence products should ever go in the kerbside recycle bin – they must go in the general waste to landfill bin
9. Liquid paint – only empty, dry and clean bins in the recycle bin. Harden or dry out paint with kitty litter or a commercial hardener and scoop out to dispose of in the general waste bin . if you have paint in good condition and reasonable quantity – contact Paintback – https://www.paintback.com.au/collection-sites/find-location
10. Bricks and wire – too heavy and damage trucks and recycling machinery – even coat hangers get caught in the machinery and create problems. Both are recyclable at FRWA Depots.

NOT SURE ?

Click on the following link to check the Which Bin A to Z search  https://www.whichbin.sa.gov.au/a-z-items