What goes in my bins?

What goes in my bins?

Understanding which items go in each bin will help you sort your waste properly.

Putting waste in the correct bin helps reduce the amount going to landfill and is great for the environment.

This guide will help you learn what can and can't be placed in each bin.

You can also find a more detailed list on the A to Z waste guide page.

Rubbish bin

Your rubbish bin should be a last resort for waste that can't be put in your recycling or FOGO bin.

Remember there are options for hard to recycle items, including McRobies Gully Waste Management Centre (The Tip) and the recycling units at the Council Centre.

What goes in my rubbish bin?

Put in Don't put in
✔ Plastic bags ✖ Batteries
✔ Foam packaging, cups and food trays ✖ E-waste
✔ Broken crockery and glassware ✖ Hazardous substances including chemicals, poison & paint
✔ Rags and textiles ✖ Florescent light globes and tubes
✔ Nappies and sanitary products ✖ Gas bottles
✔ Baby wipes and makeup removal wipes ✖ Re-usable items such as household items and clothes

Rubbish Bin Information Sheet(PDF, 868KB)

Recycling bin

A wide range of materials can be recycled, including about 12 per cent of what is currently going into general rubbish bins.

Some quick recycling tips:

  • put items into the recycling bin loose (not in plastic bags or bin liners).
  • scrape out food containers, no need to rinse.
  • containers must be empty, otherwise they will be diverted to landfill.
  • screw lids back on containers after emptying.

There are many other items that can be recycled through City of Hobart facilities such as The Tip and the recycling units at the Council Centre, including paint, batteries, e-waste, mobile phones, scrap metal and CFL light globes.

Re-usable items that are too good to be thrown away including furniture, doors, windows, clothing, timber, metals and tools of all kinds can be dropped off or even picked up by the Resource Work Cooperative (South Hobart Tip Shop) for re-sale or recycling.

What goes in my recycling bin?

Put in Don't put in
✔ Hard plastics (bottles, lids, tubs etc.) ✖ Soft plastics (bags, bin liners)
✔ Paper and cardboard ✖ Polystyrene and foam trays, cups or packaging
✔ Glass jars ✖ Disposable coffee cups
✔ Steel and aluminium cans ✖ Clothing or fabric
✔ Milk and juice containers ✖ Milk, juice and long life product cartons
✔ Aluminium foil (balled up to the size of your fist) ✖ Nappies
✔ Aerosol cans ✖ Syringes

Recycling Bin Information Sheet(PDF, 453KB)

A-Z Recycling Sheet(PDF, 30KB)

Chinese Language Recycling Bin Fact Sheet(PDF, 522KB)

FOGO bin

By collecting the organic material generated in Hobart homes and businesses and composting it into nutrient rich soil, the FOGO service reduces waste to landfill and the generation of greenhouse gases.

If you need to dispose of large branches and excess waste, you can do so at The Tip.

What goes in my FOGO bin?

Put in Don't put in
✔ Cooked and uncooked food scraps ✖ Plastics and plastic bag and liners without composting certification*
✔ Leftovers ✖ Food packaging
✔ Dairy products ✖ Fruit stickers
✔ Meat and bones ✖ Liquids (cooking oil etc.)
✔ Egg shells ✖ Baby wipes and makeup removal wipes
✔ Coffee grounds and tea leaves ✖ Metals
✔ Soiled paper and cardboard ✖ Treated timber and building materials
✔ Paper towel and tissues ✖ Rocks, concrete and ceramics
✔ Grass clippings ✖ Treated or painted timber, laminates and MDF
✔ Weeds ✖ Textiles
✔ Small branches (no larger than 10cm diameter) ✖ Large branches and stumps
✔ Pet poo and cat litter (organic) ✖ Other animal droppings
✔ Compostable cups, plates and cutlery* ✖ Dead animals
✔ Certified compostable bags* ✖ General waste or recycling
✔ Certified compostable nappies*  

*Compostable bioplastic products that are certified under one of the following certifications; AS 5810, AS 4736, ASTM D6400, and EN13432 can be placed in your FOGO bin. Look for a label on the product or ask your supplier for certification. Bags and serving-ware (e.g. plates and cutlery) made from natural fibres such as wood, paper, bagasse and cardboard can be placed in your FOGO bin.

FOGO Bin Information Sheet(PDF, 304KB)

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