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Commingled Recycling Guide

Commingled recycling bins are designed to collect a mix of common recyclable items — like bottles, cans, and plastics — 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.

✅ 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 – 1.5m³, 3.0m³, and 4.5m³ 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 cafés, 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 loose—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. By keeping items clean and free from contamination, your business can cut costs, improve recycling rates, and support a circular economy.

👉 Check out Waster’s Commingled Recycling bin options today in our online shop.

Download Now: Free PDF Business Owners Guide To Commingled Recycling Bin Services