The mantra popularized during the 1970s environmental movement, “reduce, reuse, recycle,” has never been more applicable. Nonetheless, there is some ambiguity as to what can and cannot be recycled. However, the people of Sydney are very sophisticated and neat-freak so skip bins in Sydney are a must. It would not be wrong to say that if you do not hire a skip bin living in this beautiful city then you are not a true habitant. In addition, there are many things that cannot be recycled in Sydney and in other parts of the world. Let’s look at those things.
1. Plastic Utensils:
Plastic #6 (polystyrene) is used in plastic utensils and other disposable straws. Most municipalities will not accept your plastic serving items because recycling this material is expensive. Consider repurposing them for DIY projects before throwing them in the garbage!
2. Broken Glass, Mirrors, or Windows:
Glass jars and containers are almost always recyclable, but not all glass is produced equally. Window glass, light bulbs, fluorescent light tubes, mirrors, plate glass, drinking glasses, eyeglasses, vases, and glass art pieces should all be recycled with caution.
3. Medical Waste:
Needles, plastic syringes, and prescription bottles are considered biohazards and cannot be recycled. To hear about disposal options, contact your doctor, pharmacy, or local hospital.
4. Old TVs and Electronics:
Some donation centers, such as Goodwill, will not accept non-working electronics, such as old cathode-ray tube televisions. These objects will not be picked up by curbside collection. Instead, go to e-stores, which is the country’s biggest recycler of e-waste, regardless of its age.
5. Treated Wood:
You cannot recycle wood treated with any kind of finish if you are working on a house renovation project. If not properly disposed of, the chemicals used in wood finishes may contaminate water supplies. Unless you have a permit, burning treated wood is usually banned.
6. Aerosol Cans:
They are, after all, made of metal. Most municipal systems, however, treat spray cans as a hazardous material because they also contain propellants and chemicals. However, if you own a business of this then you can hire mini skip bins for business and let them take your waste off.
7. Bubble Wrap:
Bubble wrap, like plastic, cannot be recycled at the curb. Grocery stores, on the other hand, often have separate recycling bins for bags and plastic wrap, including bubble wrap.
8. Mattresses:
Mattresses should only be thrown away as a last resort. As they decompose, they clog landfills and add greenhouse gas emissions. While most curbside services will not pick up an old mattress, there are a few mattress recycling options.
9. Oil-Soaked Cardboard:
Last weekend’s delicious pizza most likely came in a cardboard box, which is usually recyclable. The box, on the other hand, cannot be recycled if it is too greasy or polluted with food waste, such as cheese stuck to the lid. Because grease and food particles may harm recycling equipment or contaminate other materials in the bin, this is a good idea. A little oil and crumbs are acceptable, but if the box is soaked through or saturated with cheese, it should be discarded or composted.
10. Most Lids:
Polypropylene, also known as plastic #5, is used to make most lids and caps for water bottles, soda bottles, detergent bottles, and other containers, and it is normally not recyclable.
11. Packing Peanuts:
Because packing peanuts are made of expanded polystyrene, they are not recyclable. Instead of sending packing peanuts to a landfill, consider reusing them around the house; many commercial shipping services will also accept clean packing peanuts from customers.
12. Ceramic:
Because ceramic and oven-safe dishes, bakeware, cookware, and serving pieces are made to withstand high temperatures, they have a higher melting point than standard glass. As a result, most recycling centers will refuse to accept these useful kitchen items.
13. Styrofoam:
Styrofoam and polystyrene containers (egg cartons, fast food take-out boxes, coffee cups, and similar items) are not recyclable, and they also do not biodegrade in landfills. Many restaurants have made the switch away from styrofoam and polystyrene packaging, and homeowners should do the same.
14. Plastic Bags and Plastic Wrap:
Plastic shopping bags and plastic wrap are typically not accepted for recycling because the lightweight material can tangle, clog, and possibly damage recycling equipment. However, many supermarket chains allow customers to reuse plastic shopping bags, and some even have collection bins for torn or unusable bags.
15. Shredded Paper:
While most plain paper can be recycled, shredded paper makes it difficult for recycling centers to determine the type of paper. The shredded, plain paper, on the other hand, maybe composted or mulched.
16. Hardcover Books:
Many people believe that books are entirely recyclable because they are made of paper. Hardcover books, on the other hand, have non-paper components that must be removed before tossing the book in the trash.
Bottom Line:
There are many things that cannot be recycled, so isn’t it the time when you should stop consuming products that are harmful to the environment? However, if you are unaware of the disposal of wastes always hire a skip bin for better guidance.
