A-Z disposal guide

Flowers, leaves and grass can be used for compost or mulch at home.

OR

  Put in the green organics bin. Branches maximum of 15cm in diameter.

For larger branches and other bulky organics, purchase a Green Organics Pass for drop-off at Lonsdale.

You can also use local waste disposal businesses (fees apply), some sites may not accept organics, so it is best to check before you go.

Ceramic, concrete or terracotta

These CANNOT go in your household bins or to landfill.  

These materials are classified as building material and recovered for recycling at specific locations.

Contact a waste to landfill site.

Plastic

  Put it in the yellow/recycling bin.

No need to wash it out, just scrape it clean of soil and plant material.

Other

 Put it in the waste to landfill bin.

  Put it in the green/organics bin.

These plants should NOT be used in your home compost.

Plant material placed in the organics bin goes to a commercial composter and through a hot composting process. With this process, the high temperature will kill weed seeds and any pathogens.

No need to throw this out!

Remove any roots, grubs, leaves, and other debris from the old potting soil. Then mix old or used potting compost with new material, using about half of each, with a few handfuls of organic fertiliser added to boost plant nutrition.

OR

Small amounts can be placed in the green/organics bin.

Remember that the maximum weight for this bin is 70 kilograms.

OR

Contact a waste to landfill site

Compostable packaging is designed to break down naturally in the right conditions. It’s made from plant-based materials like wood pulp, potato starch, bagasse (sugarcane fibre), fungi, cotton, and palm leaves. These materials decompose within a reasonable time and don’t leave behind toxic chemicals or harmful particles.

If the packaging is clearly marked as certified compostable in Australia with the Seedling or Home compostable logo, then it can go in the green organics bin/home compost.

Important note:

Biodegradable is NOT the same as compostable – If packaging only says biodegradable, it should not go in the organics bin.

Compostable items don’t belong in the recycling bin – They can’t be recycled the same way as other materials.

Seedling logo – approved to go in the kerbside organics bin

Home compostable logo – approved to go in your home compost or the kerbside organics bin,

The AS 5810 certification requires compostable products to disintegrate after 180 days and fully decompose within 12 months in a home compost.

For packaging without the Seedling/Home compostable logo:

• Rigid packaging (e.g., a tray or tub) should go in the yellow recycling bin.
• Soft, plastic-like packaging (similar to a bread bag) should go in the waste bin.