Waste Separation – The Different Recycling Types

It is amazing to consider how much waste can be recycled instead of getting carelessly dumped into landfill. Separating the various waste streams is essential for any recycling program to work effectively. If an incorrect item goes into a recycling bin, the waste contractor may automatically send the whole load to landfill and charge extra fees accordingly. What a waste!

In Australia, waste stream colour coding helps to successfully separate different recycling types according to Australian Standards AS 4123.7-2006 ‘Mobile waste containers - Colours, markings, and designation requirements’.

Various products including the below can be separated for recycling in Australia:

• Paper/Cardboard
• Glass
• Recyclable Plastics e.g. HDPE, PET
• All metals e.g. steel, stainless steel, aluminium/ copper/ brass, etc.
• Green waste / organics
• Electronics
• Batteries
• Concrete, cement, bricks & tiles
• Untreated timber
• Treated timber
• Bitumen / asphalt
• Plasterboard
• Chemicals

There is also an international effort to establish successful recycling of polystyrene, the first of its kind developed by a consortium in Halifax, Canada. Polystyrene suffers from poor recycling rates and yet it is versatile, inexpensive to produce, lightweight to transport and has a low carbon footprint compared to other packaging materials. The insulating properties of polystyrene are superior to most other materials. Read more on the following website: https://www.insidewaste.com.au/site/features/1054219/consortium-launched-polystyrene-packaging-recycling

Are Safe Products is a leader in providing recycling bins, rubbish bins and signage to help separate different waste streams for recycling.