In the ever-evolving landscape of waste management and recycling, Australians are constantly adapting to new systems and regulations designed to make the country cleaner and greener. But with these changes come a fair bit of confusion, especially when it comes to the colour-coded bin system that varies from state to state.
Are you confident you’re sorting your trash correctly, or could you be unwittingly contributing to the problem? Let’s dive into what those bin-lid colours really mean and ensure you’re on the right track.
The introduction of new bins across the country, such as the food organics garden organics (FOGO) bins, has left many scratching their heads. What goes where? And what do these colours signify? It’s not just about keeping your street tidy on collection day; it’s about playing a crucial role in the country’s waste management strategy.
Let’s break it down by state and colour, so you can be sure you’re doing your part effectively.
New South Wales (NSW)
The Minns government’s recent announcement of mandatory FOGO bins for every household by 2030 is a significant step towards reducing landfill waste. In NSW, you’ll find three primary bin lid colours:
Red: This bin is for general household waste that can’t be recycled or composted, which includes clothing, plastic bags, mirrors, broken toys, and takeaway cups, among others.
Yellow: This is for recyclable items like paper, cardboard, rigid plastics and their lids, cans, jars, and glass bottles.
Green: This is traditionally for garden waste such as garden clippings, branches, weeds, and prunings.
Remember, you should not place pet waste, plastic bags, soiled pizza boxes, glass, tins, cans, and/or timber in the FOGO bins in NSW.
Victoria
Victoria is taking a slightly different approach by introducing a fourth bin with a purple lid for glass recycling. Here’s what you need to know:
Purple: This bin is strictly for recyclable glass items like bottles and jars.
Lime green: This is for FOGO waste, including food scraps and garden cuttings.
Yellow: This is for mixed recyclables, which include paper, containers, and clear plastic bottles.
Red: General rubbish that doesn’t fit into the other categories goes into the bins with red-coloured lids. Included in this category are e-waste and hazardous waste.
Queensland
Queensland keeps it simpler with three bins, and while FOGO bins are available, they’re not mandated:
Red: General waste such as nappies, soft plastics, clothing, and heatproof dishes goes here. Meanwhile, hazardous materials like paints and electronics are excluded.
Yellow: This is for recyclables such as cardboard, firm plastic containers, paper (excluding wax-coated paper), and glass bottles and jars.
Green: This bin is exclusively for garden waste only, with restrictions on size and type of vegetation. All green waste must not exceed 10cm in diameter and 75cm in length.
South Australia
In South Australia, the green bin might come with an opt-in for FOGO, depending on the council. Meanwhile, here is your guide regarding the bin lid colours here:
Red: Bins with red lids are for non-recyclable, non-compostable household waste destined for the landfill.
Yellow: This bin is for recyclable materials, including paper, cardboard, glass bottles, cans, and certain plastics.
Green: For organic waste, such as leaves and garden clippings. This potentially includes food scraps if you’ve opted in for FOGO.
Western Australia
Western Australia’s system is similar to other states:
Yellow: This bin is designed for clean recyclables like paper, empty cans, plastic bottles (without lids), glass bottles, and cardboard.
Dark Green: Designated for this bin is general waste, including small prunings, household rubbish, nappies, and organic waste.
Lime Green: This is specifically for food and garden waste.
Tasmania
Tasmania offers FOGO caddies upon request and follows the three-bin system:
Red: Like in some states, this bin is for general waste that can’t be recycled, composted, or put in the FOGO bin.
Yellow: This is designed for recyclable items, which must be placed without liners or bags.
Green: Organic materials, including garden waste and food scraps, go into the green lid bins here. Dog poo also goes here.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory keeps it straightforward with two bins:
Red: For general waste, including rubbish and food scraps.
Yellow: This is for recyclable items, with no garden waste or e-waste allowed.
Understanding the bin-lid colour system is more than just a matter of following rules; it’s about contributing to a sustainable future. By sorting your waste correctly, you’re helping to reduce the strain on landfills, promote recycling, and support the creation of compost for healthier soils.
Remember, these guidelines can vary within states and councils, so it’s always best to check with your local waste management authority for the most accurate information.
Take a moment to familiarise yourself with your state’s bin-lid colours and what they signify.
Have you had any challenges adapting to the new waste management systems? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below—your insights could be invaluable to a fellow YourLifeChoices reader trying to get it right.
Also read: Think before you toss: The costly green bin mistake you need to avoid
