Recycling

There are five types of items that can be placed in your Yellow lid bin for recycling. 

• Paper
• Cardboard
• Aluminium
• Steel
• Glass

Your recycling service saves valuable resources from being buried in landfill where they will never be used again.

When placing items in your recycling bin please:

• Do not place recyclable items in plastic bags
• Flatten cardboard
• Rinse all containers (use your washing up water when finished)
• Remove lids from bottles and jars. 

General tips on what can be placed in General Waste, Organics and Recycling(PDF, 1MB) .

Get your recycling sorted with these tips:

Recycle Right
Recycle Right 2021

Welcome to Narrabri Shire Council's guide on how to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle in our community. The three "Rs" are essential principles for sustainable living. 

Reduce: Using less of something.

• Save the environment by using less water and turning off lights when not in use.
• Buy in bulk to minimise packaging.
• Say no to unnecessary plastic bags and packaging.

Reuse: Using an item again.

• Donate unwanted clothing and items to charity.
• Opt for rechargeable batteries over single-use ones.
• Use reusable water bottles and bags to reduce plastic waste.

Recycle: Making something new from old.

• Separate household rubbish into the correct bins.
• Utilise local recycling centers for proper waste disposal.
• Choose recycled goods to support a circular economy.

Importance of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Our planet is facing significant challenges, and it's crucial for us to take action now.

• Save Energy and Resources: Recycling reduces the energy and resources needed for manufacturing new products.
• Reduce Pollution: Recycling helps minimise pollution caused by manufacturing.
• Save Landfill Space: Recycling decreases the amount of waste in landfill sites.
• Create Jobs: Recycling generates employment opportunities in waste management and recycling industries.

How to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle in Everyday Life

Reduce

• Carry a reusable shopping bag.
• Buy in bulk to reduce packaging.
• Bring your own mug or water bottle.

Reuse

• Donate unwanted items to charity.
• Use glass jars and containers for storage.

Recycle

• Separate household rubbish into the correct bins.
• Recycle kitchen and garden scraps as compost.
• Choose recycled goods when shopping.

What Can Be Recycled?

What to Put In

• Paper and cardboard.
• Glass bottles and jars.
• Tins and cans (do not crush cans).
• Hard plastic containers and bottles.
• Aluminium containers and foil (must be scrunched into a loose ball).
• No food scraps.

What to Leave Out

• Disposable coffee cups.
• Soft plastics.
• Paper towels, tissues, and serviettes.
• Cutlery, chopsticks, and straws.
• Bioplastics.

Ways to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

• Limit use of single-use products.
• Choose products with minimal packaging.
• Refuse plastic bags when unnecessary.
• When building or renovating, use durable and recycled materials.

Types of Household Waste

• Organic waste (compostable at home).
• Paper and cardboard (recyclable).
• Plastics (recyclable, especially hard plastics).
• Aluminium and steel (recyclable).
• Electronic waste (e-waste) - recycle through specific services.

Kitchen and Food Waste Tips

• Set fridge temperatures correctly.
• Avoid unnecessary packaging.
• Check fridge contents before shopping.
• Store food properly to minimize waste.
• Freeze leftovers for future use.
• Compost organic waste.

Hazardous Waste and Materials

• Dispose of hazardous waste (e.g., batteries, chemicals) properly.
• Recycle car batteries and lead-acid batteries.
• Handle asbestos cautiously during renovations.

Additional Resources

For more information, visit:

• MobileMuster  
• National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme  
• Recycling e-waste  
• RecyclingNearYou  
• Used oil recycling 
• Managing waste at home NSW EPA

Never put your used batteries in general waste or recycling bins.

Recycling household batteries is preferable to disposal. Most batteries contain harmful substances such as mercury, cadmium and lead. If they go to landfill these might contaminate the land or groundwater. Three companies in Australia reprocess old batteries to extract sulfuric acid, lead and plastic casing to sell.

Find Your Nearest Battery Recycling Centre

Tip: Avoid battery waste by using rechargeable batteries instead of disposable.

Battery Recycling Tips

Mobile phone batteries

Phone batteries can be recycled through the Mobile Muster program.

Mobile Muster Program

The Earn and Return - Reverse Vending Machines is not a Council operated facility. 

All operational questions are to be directed to Challenge Narrabri Recycling at 112 Arnold Street, Narrabri or the Return & Earn website.  

Return & Earn

Containers between 150ml and 3 litres are acceptable to be placed in the yellow bin for kerb side collection or they may also be redeem for 10 cents at the Challenge Narrabri Recycling Earn and Return - Reverse Vending Machines.