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Commingled Recycling Bins (Yellow Bin): What You Can and Can’t Recycle

A flexible, cost-effective recycling solution for bottles, cans, plastics, glass, and cartons — learn what belongs and what doesn’t.

♻️ Commingled Recycling Bins (Yellow Bin): What You Can and Can’t Recycle

Commingled recycling (also called “co-mingled” or “mixed recycling”) is one of the most flexible and convenient recycling options for Australian businesses. These bins — always yellow-lidded — allow you to place a wide range of recyclables in a single bin.

Using commingled recycling is not only good for the environment, it’s usually cheaper than general waste disposal, making it a smart choice for cost savings as well as sustainability.

✅ What Goes in the Yellow Bin?

You can place most everyday beverage and food containers into your commingled recycling bin, including:

  • 🥫 Aluminium and steel cans

  • 🍾 Glass bottles and jars

  • 🧴 Plastic bottles and containers

  • 🥛 Milk and juice cartons

🚫 What Should Not Go in the Yellow Bin?

Some items may seem recyclable but actually contaminate the recycling stream. Please never place these materials in a commingled bin:

  • Plastic bags, cling film, bubble wrap, or soft plastics

  • Foam or polystyrene packaging

  • Chip packets, snack wrappers, or silver-lined plastics

  • Food scraps, liquids, or organics (including leftover food in containers)

  • Tissues, paper towels, or napkins

  • Batteries, electronics, or any non-recyclable items

⚠️ Tip: Contamination can cause an entire load of recycling to be sent to landfill. Always keep bins clean and free from general waste.

🌏 Why Use Commingled Recycling?

  • Convenience: Multiple recyclable materials can go in one bin.

  • Cost Savings: Cheaper than general waste collections.

  • Environmental Impact: Helps divert valuable materials away from landfill.

  • Standardised: Yellow bin colour coding makes it easy for staff to know what goes where.

📦 Bin Sizes Available

Waster offers commingled recycling bins in three standard sizes to suit different business needs:

  • 240-litre

  • 660-litre

  • 1100-litre

✅ Quick Summary

  • Bin Colour: Yellow lid

  • Accepted: Cans, bottles, jars, cartons, rigid plastics

  • Not Accepted: Bags, foam, food, soft plastics, tissues, rubbish

  • Best for: Offices, cafes, restaurants, retail, and most businesses

📌 More Information

For more details or to book a commingled recycling service for your business, visit our Waster online portal.