Recycling & Waste
Recycling & Waste
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Which Bin does it go in? - Frequently Asked Questions
- Where should I place food soiled paper plates and boxes?
- Can I place recyclable plastic bottles with liquid and/or lids on them in the Recycle bins?
- Can I place recyclable plastic food containers in the Recycle bins if they have food waste in them? eg lunch boxes, sandwich triangles, salad containers etc.
1. Where should I place food soiled paper plates and boxes?
Do not place these in the recycle bin. This material will be suitable for a compost or worm farm and could be placed in Food Waste Bin (if they are available). Please note that at present there are no Food Waste collection bins available at the University of Wollongong main campus.
2. Can I place recyclable plastic bottles with liquid and/or lids on them in the Recycle bins?
Plastic bottles should be emptied, rinsed (if possible) and squashed with the lids off.
- Emptying the bottles will reduce the weight of the load and avoid liquid spraying out of the bottles once they are baled. Recyclers prefer to receive the plastic bottles clean and without contamination from leftover contents. Rinsing the bottles will lessen the drink contamination.
- Squashing the bottles will create more room in the bin, allowing for a greater volume to be collected and less chance for littering.
- Lids are not made of a recyclable plastic and can also cause accidents by exploding under the pressure of baling the bottles.
3. Can I place recyclable plastic food containers in the Recycle bins if they have food waste in them? eg lunch boxes, sandwich triangles, salad containers etc.
All containers should be emptied of food before placing into the recycling bin.
If there is a sauce or liquid remaining in the container it is ideal to rinse it clean. Food contamination is difficult for plastics recyclers to handle and should be avoided at all costs.
Last reviewed: 25 October, 2011
ONE LESS CUP @ UOW
Did you know we use thousands of disposable cups per week on campus? So what's the solution?
GLASSES RECYCLING
