Recycling and knowing how and where to get rid of unwanted items can be confusing. We understand.
To help raise awareness of the most common waste and recycling mistakes that people make, we spoke to staff from our Waste Education Team to put the record straight.
- MYTH #1 - Used batteries can be discarded in your kerbside bins
BUSTED: Batteries can cause fires in your bins and the trucks that collect them! Used batteries should be taken to a dedicated collection point to dispose of them safely. This includes AA, button and rechargeable batteries, batteries from cars, laptops, mobile phones, cameras, power tools and electronic toys.
- MYTH #2 - Unwanted clothing can be recycled via your kerbside recycling bin
BUSTED: Unwanted textiles like clothes and shoes can’t be recycled via your kerbside recycle bin. If they are in good condition, consider donating them to give them a second life. If they are beyond reuse, textiles should be bagged and placed in your rubbish bin or recycled through other organisations.
- MYTH #3 - Electronic waste can be discarded in your kerbside bins
BUSTED: Electronic waste (e-waste) refers to items with a plug, battery or power chord that are no longer working or wanted. They contain potentially hazardous and valuable materials which don’t belong in landfill and can cause fires.
Rather than putting e-waste in your kerbside bins, it should be discarded at a designated drop-off location or via a booked hard rubbish collection.- MYTH #4 - Soft plastics are recyclable
BUSTED: Soft plastics including carry and shopping bags, bread bags, pasta bags and glad wrap are not recyclable.
Before placing plastic containers and bottles in the recycling bin, empty them of any remaining food or drink and ensure they are placed in the bin loose (not bagged).
To make it easier for residents to dispose of their unwanted items responsibly in the lead up to Christmas, the City of Casey is hosting a free Textile and E-Waste Drop Off Day on 23 November 2024 in Narre Warren.
Book a spot at our drop-off event
For more information on how to get rid of waste and unwanted items correctly, check out our online waste disposal directory.