What Materials Can Be Recycled in Your Business? A Comprehensive Guide to Recyclable Materials

‍Shaping a sustainable future through responsible recycling

Recycling helps reduce waste, save resources, and cut down on environmental damage. By reusing materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal, we lower the demand for new raw materials and keep more waste out of landfills. This not only conserves energy but also helps protect ecosystems by reducing the need for mining, logging and other intensive processes.

For recycling to be effective, it needs to be done correctly. Placing items in the wrong bin can lead to contamination, making it harder to process materials and resulting in more waste. You might be wondering what can be recycled and what should go into other bins such as general waste or organic bins. This blog covers the materials that can be recycled, what to avoid, and how to properly dispose of other materials through Signal Waste’s specialty waste management services.

Why recycling is important for your business

Recycling isn't just an environmental responsibility — it's a smart business move. Companies that manage waste effectively can lower costs, strengthen their reputation and reduce their environmental impact. With growing consumer demand for sustainable practices, businesses that take recycling seriously set themselves apart and build stronger connections with their customers and partners.

Reputation: Businesses that recycle show they care about sustainability, which helps build trust with customers, clients and partners. Many consumers prefer to support companies that take action to reduce their carbon footprint.

Cost-savings: Managing waste properly can help cut disposal costs. Recycling materials instead of sending them to landfills can reduce fees, and in some cases, businesses can even make money by selling recyclable materials like cardboard or metal.

Environmental benefits: Recycling reduces landfill waste, conserves natural resources, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. By making recycling part of your business operations, you’re helping to reduce pollution, protect ecosystems, and contribute to a cleaner, healthier future.

Items to exclude from recycling

Not everything can go in the recycling bin. Placing the wrong items in the mix can cause contamination and disrupt the recycling process. Here are some common materials that should be kept out of your household recycling bin:

• Soft plastics – Includes plastic bags, food packaging, and cling wrap. These can’t be processed in standard recycling systems but may be collected through specialised drop-off points.
• Wax-coated cardboard and paper – Items like food packaging boxes and single-use takeaway cups have a coating that makes them unsuitable for recycling.
• Padded envelopes – The combination of paper and plastic layers makes these difficult to process.
• Biodegradable packaging – Despite being eco-friendly, these materials often don’t break down properly in standard recycling facilities and should be disposed of through composting or specialised waste programs.
• Processed glass – Items such as drinking glasses, ovenware, mirrors, and light bulbs have different compositions from recyclable glass bottles and jars, making them unsuitable for recycling.
• Food-contaminated items – Any material with food waste, like greasy pizza boxes or unwashed containers, must not be placed in the recycling bin as they can spoil entire batches of recyclables.
• Garden waste - Grass clippings, leaves, branches, and soil should not be placed in the recycling bin. These items require separate composting or green waste disposal programs.

While these waste types are unable to be placed in a yellow lid household recycling bin, these products (with the exception of food and garden waste) ARE able to be recycled in a dry-waste recycling bin for commercial purposes.  Many resources are available online to help understand the confusion around what can and can’t be recycled. We encourage customers to contact us so we can help you put in place the most sustainable recycling practices for your business.

Recyclable items for businesses

Recycling isn’t just about reducing waste; it’s about keeping valuable materials in use for as long as possible. Many everyday business items, from office paper to aluminium cans, can be repurposed into new products, but only if they’re recycled correctly. Contaminated or incorrectly sorted items can cause problems in the recycling process, leading to unnecessary landfill waste.

Knowing what can and can’t be recycled makes a big difference. Here are some of the most commonly accepted recyclable materials for businesses:

• Paper – Office paper, magazines, and newspapers can be recycled, but they must be dry. Wet or soiled paper cannot be processed.
• Cardboard – Only clean, uncoated cardboard is recyclable. Wax-coated or greasy cardboard should be kept out. Cereal boxes, egg cartons and milk cartons are recyclable.
• Glass bottles and jars – Clear, green, and brown glass can be recycled, but other types of glass, like cookware or mirrors, should be excluded.
• Aluminium and steel cans – These are widely accepted and can sometimes earn a rebate if recycled separately.
• Some hard plastic bottles and containers – Check for recycling symbols to confirm eligibility. Plastic caps and lids usually need to be removed before recycling.
• Empty aerosols – Some facilities accept empty aerosol cans, but it’s best to check with your recycling provider as not all centres can process them.
• Certain types of electronics (e-waste) – Items like computers, phones, and printers are broken down into components for separate recycling. Many councils and specialised facilities offer e-waste recycling programs.
• Medical waste - This is a specialty service and should only be disposed of by trained professionals.

Recycling the right way helps keep materials in circulation, reduces strain on natural resources, and supports a more sustainable approach to waste management. If you're unsure about an item, check with your local recycling provider for guidance or contact Signal Waste to learn more.

Specialty recycling services through Signal Waste

Signal Waste provides customised recycling services designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. We offer tailored solutions for various industries, delivering efficient and sustainable waste management.

Document Destruction

Our secure document destruction service ensures sensitive information is destroyed in compliance with privacy regulations, offering on-site and off-site options for businesses.

E-Waste Recycling

We help businesses safely dispose of electronic waste, recover valuable components, and prevent harmful materials from impacting the environment.

Liquid Waste Recycling

Signal Waste provides safe disposal and recycling of liquid waste, including oils, Non-DG  chemicals, and wastewater, ensuring compliance and reducing environmental impact.

Construction and Demolition Waste

We focus on recycling materials like wood, metals, and concrete from construction and demolition projects, helping businesses reduce waste and lower disposal costs.

Reach out to Signal Waste today to discover how our specialty recycling services can help your business manage waste more efficiently and sustainably.

Steps to implement a recycling program in your business

Implementing an effective recycling program in your business is a great step towards sustainability. By following a few simple actions, you can make sure your waste is managed responsibly, reduce environmental impact, and stay compliant with regulations. Here are the best steps to take for a successful recycling program that benefits both your business and the planet.

1. Conduct a waste audit
   Assess the types of waste your business generates by identifying recyclables and non-recyclables. This helps you understand what can be diverted from landfills and ensures proper sorting.
2. Set up clearly labelled recycling bins
   Place recycling bins in accessible areas throughout your business, ensuring they are clearly labelled for different materials (recycled paper, plastics, glass, etc.). This encourages proper disposal and reduces contamination.
3. Partner with Signal Waste
   Work with Signal Waste to arrange regular pickups and ensure your business complies with recycling regulations. Signal Waste can also provide reports to help track progress and improve waste management practices.
4. Train employees on proper recycling practices
   Educate your team on what can and can’t be recycled and how to sort materials correctly. This includes removing food scraps from recyclables, understanding the difference between bins, and streamlining the process. Regular training and reminders will help maintain an effective recycling program throughout your business.

Trust Signal Waste to handle your business waste and recycling management

Recycling isn't just a recommendation in Australia; it's a necessary step to ensure businesses do their part to contribute to a greener environment. With plastic bags being banned in various states and the crackdown on correct disposal, it's essential that businesses are doing the most to support the recycling stream.

Contact Signal Waste today, proudly serving South Australia for 35 years, supporting businesses with sustainable and safe recycling and waste management solutions. Our expert team is well-versed in compliance, regulations, and ethical disposal practices, covering everything from household hazardous waste to general recycling. Reach out now to arrange a pickup and discover how our eco-friendly solutions can benefit your business.

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