--- title: Commingled Recycling Guide description: "Commingled Recycling Guide: learn what can and can’t go in commingled bins, bin size options, and best practices for businesses." --- [Skip to content](https://help.waster.com.au/commingled-recycling-guide#main-content) [![Waster-smart-businesses-1](https://help.waster.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Waster-smart-businesses-1.webp?width=139&height=70&name=Waster-smart-businesses-1.webp)](https://waster.com.au/) - [Online Pricing!](https://waster.com.au/waste-recycling-shop/) - [Blog](https://waster.com.au/waste-management-blog/) - [Contact](https://waster.com.au/waste-recycling-rubbish-contact/) - [Help](https://help.waster.com.au/) - [Partners](https://waster.com.au/partner-with-waster/) - [Waster App](https://waster.app/) - 1300 927 837 Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Online Pricing!](https://waster.com.au/waste-recycling-shop/) - [Blog](https://waster.com.au/waste-management-blog/) - [Contact](https://waster.com.au/waste-recycling-rubbish-contact/) - [Help](https://help.waster.com.au/) - [Partners](https://waster.com.au/partner-with-waster/) - [Waster App](https://waster.app/) - 1300 927 837 How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Waster Help Centre](https://help.waster.com.au/?hsLang=en-au) 2. [πŸ“˜ Guides & Resources](https://help.waster.com.au/guides-resources?hsLang=en-au) 3. [πŸ“˜ Guides](https://help.waster.com.au/guides-resources?hsLang=en-au#guides) # Commingled Recycling Guide ## Commingled recycling bins are designed to collect a mix of common recyclable items β€” like bottles, cans, and plastics β€” in one bin. They simplify recycling for businesses and households by combining several materials into a single stream. This guide explains what can and can’t go in, bin options, and best practices. #### βœ… What Can Go in Commingled Recycling Bins - **Glass bottles and jars** – rinsed and with lids removed where possible - **Plastic bottles and containers** – numbered plastics (#1–#7, check local rules), rinsed and emptied - **Aluminium cans and foil** – cans, trays, and scrunched aluminium foil (clean only) - **Steel and tin cans** – food cans, lids, and small metal packaging - **Cartons** – milk, juice, and long-life drink cartons (check contamination) --- #### ❌ What Cannot Go in Commingled Recycling Bins - **Plastic bags and soft plastics** – must be recycled through separate programs - **Food or liquid** – items must be clean and empty before recycling - **Coffee cups** – usually plastic-lined and non-recyclable - **Polystyrene foam** – takeaway containers, packaging blocks - **Hazardous waste** – batteries, chemicals, paint, or e-waste - **Ceramics or cookware** – not suitable for glass recycling streams --- #### Bin Sizes and Options - **Rear lift bins** – 240L, 660L, and 1,100L wheelie bins for small to medium businesses - **Front lift bins** – 1.5mΒ³, 3.0mΒ³, and 4.5mΒ³ bins for larger sites with high recycling volumes - **Flexible collection schedules** – choose pickups to match your recycling output --- #### Household Context Households typically use a **yellow-lid bin** for commingled recycling, collected by local councils. Businesses benefit from dedicated commingled bins to manage higher volumes and reduce general waste costs. --- #### Business Benefits - **Simple recycling** – one bin for multiple recyclable materials - **Cost savings** – reduces the weight and volume of general waste services - **Sustainability** – diverts valuable materials like glass, metals, and plastics from landfill - **Scalability** – suitable for cafΓ©s, restaurants, offices, schools, warehouses, and retail stores --- #### Quick Reference | **Accepted** | **Not Accepted** | | --- | --- | | Glass bottles & jars | Plastic bags & soft plastics | | Plastic bottles & containers | Food/liquids | | Aluminium cans & foil (clean) | Coffee cups | | Steel/tin cans | Polystyrene foam | | Milk & juice cartons | Batteries, e-waste, chemicals | --- #### Best Practices Summary 1. Always rinse and empty containers before recycling. 2. Keep recyclables looseβ€”never bag them. 3. Remove lids from bottles and jars where possible. 4. Train staff on what does and doesn’t go in commingled bins. --- #### Conclusion: Easy, Effective Recycling Commingled recycling is one of the simplest ways for businesses to recycle more and landfill less. 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