Why Recycling Matters in Western Australia
Western Australia is geographically isolated, resource‑rich, and heavily dependent on global supply chains. Recycling helps us:
- Reduce landfill and environmental harm
- Recover valuable materials already in circulation
- Lower energy use compared to mining and manufacturing from raw materials
- Build local jobs and industries in resource recovery
Recycling is not just about waste — it’s about how we value materials.
1. Supermarket Plastics & Plastic Codes
Most plastic packaging carries a Plastic Identification Code (PIC) — the little triangle with a number inside (1–7). This identifies the resin type but does not automatically mean the item is recyclable in your kerbside bin.
Common Plastic Types
| Code | Resin Type | Typical Uses | Recyclability in WA yellow bin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) | Water/soft drink bottles, condiment bottles | Yes – accepted kerbside |
| 2 | HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) | Milk jugs, detergent bottles | Yes – accepted kerbside |
| 3 | PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) | Some packaging, pipes | Usually not kerbside |
| 4 | LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) | Plastic bags, wraps | Not accepted kerbside |
| 5 | PP (Polypropylene) | Tubs, caps, plant pots | Often yes kerbside |
| 6 | PS (Polystyrene) | Foam trays/cups | Not accepted kerbside |
| 7 | Other/Mixed | Various rigid plastics | Rarely accepted kerbside |
👉 In Perth and much of WA, councils use a simplified list of five things that go in the yellow-lidded recycling bin:
plastic bottles and containers (clean, lids off), cans (steel & aluminium), glass bottles/jars, paper and cardboard.
Important to Know
- Only clean, rigid plastic containers belong in the yellow bin
- Soft plastics tangle machinery and contaminate recycling streams
- Putting the wrong items in recycling bins can cause entire loads to go to landfill
Are Products Made from Recycled Plastics in WA?
Yes — though the industry is still developing.
In WA, recovered rigid plastics are:
- Sorted and shredded into flakes or pellets
- Used to manufacture products such as bins, crates, outdoor furniture, irrigation parts and construction products
- Sometimes exported when local processing capacity or demand is limited
Building strong local markets for recycled plastic is key to improving outcomes.
Concrete, Bricks and Demolition Waste
Construction and demolition waste is one of the largest waste streams in WA — but also one of the most recyclable.
What Can Be Recycled
- Concrete slabs and footings
- Bricks and pavers
- Tiles and masonry
These materials can be:
- Crushed into road base and aggregate
- Used for civil construction, drainage and landscaping
- Substituted for virgin quarry materials
Recycling building materials reduces quarrying, transport emissions and landfill pressure.
Solar Panels: An Emerging Challenge
Western Australia has one of the highest rates of rooftop solar in the country. As early installations reach end‑of‑life, recycling becomes critical.
Current Situation in WA
- Solar panels are not suitable for kerbside recycling
- Specialist recyclers in WA can process panels
- Materials recovered include aluminium frames, glass, silicon and wiring
While recycling capacity is improving, it can currently cost more than landfill — highlighting the need for product stewardship schemes and better design for recyclability.
Paper and Cardboard
Paper and cardboard are among the most successfully recycled materials in WA.
What Can Be Recycled
- Newspapers and magazines
- Office paper
- Cardboard boxes (flattened)
What to Avoid
- Greasy pizza boxes
- Waxed or heavily coated paper
- Contaminated paper products
Recovered paper is turned into new packaging, tissues and paper products — often multiple times.
Whitegoods, Mattresses and Bulky Items
Large household items don’t belong in kerbside bins — but they are recyclable.
What Happens to Them
Whitegoods (fridges, washing machines):
- Metals are recovered and recycled
- Refrigerants and hazardous components are safely removed
Mattresses:
- Steel springs, foam and textiles can be separated
- Up to 75% of materials can be recovered
These items are handled through specialist recycling facilities, council drop‑offs or bulk verge collections.
What About Steel and Metals?
Steel and aluminium are among the most valuable recyclable materials.
Why Metals Are Recycled
- They can be recycled endlessly without loss of quality
- Recycling metals uses far less energy than mining and smelting
- Scrap metal has ongoing economic value
Local vs Offshore Processing
- Metals are collected and sorted locally
- Depending on market conditions, they may be processed in Australia or exported
Stockpiling metals at home is not helpful — established recycling systems are designed to keep materials circulating efficiently.
The Bigger Picture: From Recycling to a Circular Economy
Recycling is only one part of the solution.
To reduce waste long‑term, WA needs:
- Better product design
- Local manufacturing using recovered materials
- Repair and reuse systems
- Policies that prioritise durability over disposability
As a community, every clean, correctly sorted item helps — but systemic change is what will truly close the loop.
Small actions, when shared across a community, shape the future of our resources.