There are many waste materials that can be recycled on the Gold Coast. Recycling has many benefits for our environment, society and economy. It conserves natural resources, it saves energy and it reduces the amount of landfill required. We thank you for your efforts and hope that our recycling systems and information will help you to recycle better.
Find out what you can (and can't) recycle in yellow lid recycling bins and lime lid green organics bins by clicking on the drop-down headings below:
At City of Gold Coast waste and recycling centres, you can recycle all of the materials listed above and more. For details of the many recyclables accepted at each waste and recycling centre, visit our waste and recycling centre page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to rinse any of my recyclables before putting them in the recycling bin?
No, recyclables don’t have to be cleaned but must be empty. A minimal amount of food residue is acceptable, and we do appreciate you rinsing your recyclables as it reduces odour and health and safety risks for staff at the Materials Recovery Facility.
Do I have to remove lids from any recyclables before putting them in the recycling bin?
No, lids can be left on most containers (except empty aerosols cans). On or off, lids are recyclable, so please put them in your recycling bin.
Why can't I put drinking glasses and broken window glass in the recycling bin?
The glass used in glassware other than glass bottles and jars has a wide variety of properties and melting temperatures. This means if it is sent for recycling, it may not melt properly or form faults (invisible to the naked eye) in new bottles and jars made from recycled glass. This is particularly the case with ceramics and heat-proof glassware (e.g. Pyrex), which should never be placed in your recycling bin.
Why can't I recycle coat hangers, saucepans and other metals in the recycling bin?
Metal items other than aluminium and steel cans cannot be recycled in the household recycling bin as the equipment at the Materials Recovery Facility cannot handle their irregular shape. Items get caught in the machinery and the plant has to be stopped, which can be very time consuming and costly. However, there are scrap metal recycling facilities available free of charge to Gold Coast residents at all waste and recycling centres.
Do I have to remove the plastic lids and nozzles from my aerosol cans?
Yes. Only empty aerosol cans can be put in your household recycling bin, and it is preferable that any plastic lids and nozzles be removed if possible.
Can I recycle pizza boxes?
Yes. They can be put into the household recycling bin as long as the food residue has been removed. A small amount of oil and food residue is acceptable, but if it is too contaminated, just rip off the clean cardboard top and place it in the recycling bin and put the dirty base in the waste bin.
Why can't I recycle tissues or serviettes?
Tissues, paper towels and serviettes are often contaminated with food, grease or body fluids which makes them unsuitable for recycling. If you have a compost heap at home, these items can be added to your compost bin.
What about junk mail, magazines and brochures – is glossy paper recyclable?
Yes. All paper products are recyclable and can be placed loosely in the household recycling bin. The glossy finish is made up of clay and ink that can be removed during the recycling process.
Do I have to remove sticky tape, staples or the plastic window from envelopes?
No. They are removed during the recycling process, along with dyes and other grit.
Can I put nappies in the recycling bin?
No, all nappies must be placed in the general waste bin. There are no nappies on the market that can be placed in our recycling bins.
Do I have to remove the labels from plastic containers?
No. If it is easy to remove them, then please do, but otherwise just put your clean plastic bottles and containers in the recycling bin with labels attached.
How do I know which plastics can be recycled?
Plastic containers and bottles can be recycled. Other plastic items that can be recycled include yoghurt and margarine containers, squeezable bottles, detergent bottles and strawberry punnets.
Items that cannot be recycled in your recycling bin include plastic bags, polystyrene meat trays (if you can tear the meat tray it will be polystyrene), cling film or bread bags.
Most major Gold Coast supermarkets have special bins near the checkouts, where clean plastic bags can be returned for recycling. Some supermarkets will now also collect soft plastics including bread, pasta and frozen food bags, confectionery and biscuit packets. The soft plastics are recycled and turned into bollards, outdoor furniture and exercise equipment.
Why can't I recycle plastic bags and other thin film plastic in the recycling bin?
Even though plastic bags and wrappers are made from recyclable plastic and can be recycled at special facilities, we can’t accept them in the household recycling bin. They get caught in the sorting machinery at the Materials Recovery Facility and may stop other items being recycled. If you place your recyclables in plastic bags in the recycling bin, they can't be recycled and will end up in landfill. Most major Gold Coast supermarkets have special bins near the checkouts, where clean plastic bags can be returned for recycling. Some supermarkets will now also collect soft plastics including bread, pasta and frozen food bags, confectionery and biscuit packets. The soft plastics are then recycled and turned into bollards which are used in parks and beaches.
Polystyrene meat trays have a plastic identification code of 6 – does that mean I can recycle them?
No. Only rigid plastic containers can be placed in your household recycling bin for collection, not soft foams such as expanded polystyrene. The plastic identification code stamped on plastic products identifies the type of plastic resin it is made from, not whether it is recyclable or not. Even though rigid plastic items stamped with a plastic identification code of 6 (e.g. yoghurt containers) are recyclable at the Materials Recovery Facility, expanded polystyrene products (e.g. snappable meat trays, foam cups, polystyrene packaging) are not able to be recycled there.
If the household recycling bin is full, can I leave items next to the bin for pick up?
No. Anything not in the bin will not be collected as all bins are mechanically lifted by the truck. All recyclables must be in the bin with the lid closed properly or the truck can’t empty it. Excess recycling can be dropped off free of charge by Gold Coast residents at our Waste and Recycling Centres.
Tips: Collapsing boxes can increase the amount of recycling you can place in the recycling bin. You may also want to consider ordering a larger recycling bin. Find more information about this service.
The recycling bin is always full. Can I get a bigger recycling bin?
Yes. You can apply to City of Gold Coast to replace the standard 240 litre recycling bin with a larger 360 litre bin. Find more information about this service on our Upsize to a larger recycling bin page.
External links
Brochures, fact sheets & reports
