Adelaide

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Garbage and Recycling

Sections

1. Waste Categories in Adelaide

Adelaide's waste management system is divided into three main categories, each with its own bin and disposal guidelines:

a. General Waste (Red Lid Bin)

  • What it includes: Non-recyclable and non-compostable items such as:
    • Plastic bags and soft plastics (if not recycled through special programs)
    • Broken ceramics or glassware
    • Hygiene products (e.g., nappies, sanitary items)
    • Polystyrene foam
  • Disposal: Items in this category go to landfill.
  • Bin color: Red lid.

b. Recyclables (Yellow Lid Bin)

  • What it includes: Clean and dry recyclable materials such as:
    • Paper and cardboard (flattened)
    • Glass bottles and jars (rinsed)
    • Hard plastics (e.g., bottles, containers with recycling symbols 1-7)
    • Aluminum and steel cans
  • Disposal: These items are sent to recycling facilities.
  • Bin color: Yellow lid.

c. Organic Waste (Green Lid Bin)

  • What it includes: Compostable materials such as:
    • Food scraps (including meat, bones, and dairy)
    • Garden waste (e.g., grass clippings, leaves, small branches)
    • Compostable packaging (certified compostable only)
  • Disposal: These items are processed into compost or mulch.
  • Bin color: Green lid.

2. Sorting and Disposal Procedures

Proper sorting is essential to ensure waste is processed correctly. Hereโ€™s how to sort and dispose of waste in Adelaide:

General Guidelines

  1. Clean and Dry Recyclables: Ensure all recyclable items are clean and free of food residue. For example, rinse glass jars and remove lids.
  2. No Plastic Bags in Bins: Plastic bags should not go into any of the bins. Instead, they can be recycled at designated supermarket collection points.
  3. Separate Hazardous Waste: Items like batteries, e-waste, chemicals, and paint should not go in any of the bins. These require special disposal (see below for details).
  4. Use Compostable Bags for Organics: If using a liner for your green bin, ensure it is certified compostable (look for the AS 4736 logo).

Special Waste Disposal

  • E-Waste: Items like old computers, TVs, and mobile phones can be dropped off at designated e-waste recycling centers.
  • Hazardous Waste: Chemicals, paints, and other hazardous materials can be disposed of at specific hazardous waste drop-off events or facilities.
  • Soft Plastics: These can be recycled through the REDcycle program at participating supermarkets.

3. Collection Schedules

Adelaideโ€™s waste collection services are managed by local councils, and collection schedules vary depending on your location. Typically:

  • General Waste (Red Lid): Collected weekly.
  • Recyclables (Yellow Lid): Collected fortnightly.
  • Organic Waste (Green Lid): Collected fortnightly.

How to Check Your Schedule

  • Visit your local councilโ€™s website and use their online tools to find your collection days.
  • Some councils provide a mobile app or calendar for reminders.

4. Costs and Fees

The cost of waste management services is generally included in your council rates (property taxes). However, there may be additional fees for specific services:

  • Hard Waste Collection: Most councils offer one or two free hard waste collections per year for large items like furniture and appliances. Additional collections may incur a fee (e.g., $50-$100).
  • Green Waste Bins: Some councils charge an annual fee for green waste bin services if you opt in (e.g., $50-$100 per year).
  • Disposal at Waste Facilities: If you take waste directly to a transfer station or landfill, fees are charged based on the type and weight of the waste. For example:
    • General waste: ~$150-$200 per tonne.
    • Green waste: ~$50-$100 per tonne.

5. Government Services and Resources

Adelaideโ€™s waste management system is supported by local councils and state government initiatives. Key services include:

a. Local Council Services

  • Bin Repairs and Replacements: If your bin is damaged or missing, contact your local council for a free repair or replacement.
  • Hard Waste Collection: Bookings can be made through your council for the collection of large items.
  • Waste Education Programs: Many councils offer workshops and resources to help residents reduce waste and recycle effectively.

b. State Government Initiatives

  • Container Deposit Scheme (CDS): South Australia has a 10-cent refund scheme for eligible drink containers. These can be returned to collection depots for cash.
  • Green Industries SA: This state government agency provides resources and programs to promote recycling and waste reduction.

c. Waste and Recycling Facilities

  • Transfer Stations: Facilities where you can drop off waste and recyclables. Examples include:
    • NAWMA Resource Recovery Centre (Northern Adelaide)
    • Adelaide Waste and Recycling Centre (North Plympton)
  • Hazardous Waste Drop-Off: Check Green Industries SA for scheduled drop-off events.

6. Important Local Considerations

  • Bin Placement: Place bins on the kerb the night before collection day, ensuring they are not obstructing footpaths or driveways.
  • Overfilled Bins: Lids must close completely. Overfilled bins may not be collected.
  • Illegal Dumping: Dumping waste in unauthorized areas is illegal and can result in fines.
  • Community Recycling Stations: Many councils have drop-off points for items like batteries, light globes, and small e-waste.

7. Tips for Reducing Waste

  • Compost at Home: Use a compost bin or worm farm for food scraps to reduce organic waste.
  • Avoid Single-Use Plastics: Opt for reusable bags, bottles, and containers.
  • Donate Usable Items: Give away items like clothing, furniture, and electronics to charities or second-hand stores.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage your waste and contribute to Adelaideโ€™s sustainability goals. For more specific information, contact your local council or visit their website.