--- title: "Commingled Recycling: What Can and Can’t Go In" description: "Commingled recycling made easy: find out what can and can’t go in your bin, with simple tips for households and businesses." --- [Skip to content](https://help.waster.com.au/commingled-recycling-what-can-cant-go-in#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. [♻️ Recycling & Waste Streams](https://help.waster.com.au/%EF%B8%8F-recycling-waste-streams?hsLang=en-au) 3. [🥤 Containers & Packaging](https://help.waster.com.au/%EF%B8%8F-recycling-waste-streams?hsLang=en-au#containers-packaging) # Commingled Recycling: What Can and Can’t Go In ## Commingled recycling bins make it easy to recycle everyday containers. But knowing what belongs — and what doesn’t — is the key to keeping recycling efficient and contamination-free. #### ✅ What Can Go in the Commingled Recycling Bin - Glass bottles and jars (rinsed, lids removed) - Plastic bottles and containers (hard plastics only, clean and dry) - Aluminium cans, foil, and trays (scrunched into a ball) - Steel cans and tins (labels OK) --- #### ❌ What Can’t Go in the Commingled Recycling Bin - Soft plastics (bags, cling wrap, wrappers) - Polystyrene foam packaging - Coffee cups (most have plastic lining) - Crockery, drinking glasses, or lightbulbs - Nappies, textiles, or food waste --- #### Household Tips - Empty and rinse all containers before recycling. - Remove lids (check if your council allows them in separately). - Never bag recyclables—always put them in loose. - Keep paper and cardboard out—use separate bins. --- #### Business Commingled Recycling - Provide **clearly labelled commingled bins** in kitchens, lunchrooms, and packaging areas. - Train staff on what can and can’t go in—contamination is a common issue. - For large sites, pair commingled bins with dedicated cardboard or paper bins. - Arrange regular collections to prevent overflow and contamination. --- #### Quick Reference | **Accepted** | **Not Accepted** | | --- | --- | | Glass bottles & jars | Soft plastics | | Plastic bottles & tubs | Polystyrene/foam | | Aluminium cans & foil | Coffee cups | | Steel tins & cans | Crockery, nappies, food scraps | --- #### Best Practices Summary 1. Only recycle clean, empty containers. 2. No soft plastics, polystyrene, or coffee cups. 3. Keep items loose, not bagged. 4. Businesses should provide clear signage and staff training. --- #### Conclusion: Smarter Commingled Recycling When used correctly, commingled bins are a simple and effective recycling solution. 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