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Recycling different types of plastic waste in Brisbane

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Learn how to recycle different types of plastic waste in Brisbane with practical tips for identifying, reusing, and recycling various plastics. Join the effort to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability.

Plastic is everywhere and many household products we buy are made from or packaged in plastic. Different types of plastic have a unique look, feel and disposal method. Learn how to identify different plastics and get tips on preventing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste in Brisbane.

Types of plastic

Description: Firm and flexible plastics include household containers which 'pop in' and 'pop out' when you apply and release pressure.

Examples: Margarine containers, milk bottles, shampoo bottles, yoghurt containers.

Description: Hard or rigid plastics don't compress when you apply pressure.

Examples: Broken toys, reusable water bottles, Tupperware.

Description: Film-like, 'scrunchable' plastics.

Examples: Bread bags, chip packets, pasta bags.

Description: Foam-like plastics.

Examples: Packing material used for household furniture, white goods and electronic items.

Description: Plastic products made of more than one type of plastic or are small. These items are hard to recycle.

Examples: Glitter, lids, pens, stickers, synthetic textiles, toys.

How to reduce plastic waste

Households should first prevent plastic waste, then reuse plastic products, and recycle the rest to make new items.

1. Prevent - Use these top tips to prevent plastic waste.

  • Refuse plastic packaging when you purchase goods. It feels great to say 'no' and this simple action sends a signal to sellers to reduce plastic packaging.
  • Use reusable water bottles. This will save you money too. Learn about reducing waste in school lunchboxes.
  • For your favourite products, look into reusable or refillable options like soda making machines, yoghurt kits or bread makers.
  • Refill empty containers at outlets providing refill stations and choose refill packs for cleaning and beauty products. 
  • Take reusable bags and containers when you shop and order takeaway food and drink.
  • Buy 'nude' food without plastic packaging, such as loose carrots and apples.
  • Make and bake household items, including meals, snacks, cleaning and beauty products.
  • Avoid home-delivered ready-made meals. They include extra packaging waste.
  • If you have a baby or toddler, switch to using reusable nappies and wipes.

  • Avoid cling wrap by storing food in clear containers.
  • Avoid individually wrapped items like dishwasher tablets, teabags, and ice blocks. Instead, buy powdered or liquid dishwasher detergent, loose leaf tea, or ice cream in a tub.
  • Chop and make your own veggie packs for the freezer, reusing frozen fruit bags.
  • Grow fresh herbs in pots - mint, sage and rosemary are the easiest herbs to grow.
  • Bring your own reusable garment bag and coat hanger when dropping off your clothes at the dry cleaners.
  • Reuse bubble wrap.
  • For parties and picnics, use reusables like plates, napkins, decorations, and fabric bunting instead of balloons. Keep a decorations box and pass onto family and friends for the next party.
  • When shopping online ask for minimal packaging from your supplier.
  • Take your own bag or container when buying meat and fresh seafood and let your server know.
  • Use reusable menstrual product options.
  • Choose plastic packaging that is easily reusable or recyclable and/or contains recycled content.

  • Ask for gift experiences (e.g. show tickets, day spa treatment, day out with friends and family).
  • Consider borrowing instead of buying. Use Council's libraries or visit the tool and toy libraries across Brisbane including:
  • Seek alternatives to plastic such as bamboo, wood, metal and glass. You can reuse these long-life products, and recycle or compost them when they’re no longer usable.

  • Choose natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool, and silk to stop synthetic fibers from washing into waterways. 
  • Remove plastic stickers from fruit before composting as they don't break down.
  • Avoid glitter and plastic confetti.
  • Smokers can carry around a small container to store cigarette butts until they can dispose of them in a general waste bin. Cigarette butts are the most littered item in Brisbane. Plastic in cigarettes can take 12-15 years to break down.

2. Reuse - Use these top tips to reuse plastic items.

  • Reuse durable plastic items for their full life (e.g. until they warp or crack).
  • Reuse produce bags, a basket or cardboard box to hold loose fruit and vegetables.
  • Reuse zip lock bags for frozen fruit.
  • Repurpose plastic items for a different use (e.g. yoghurt containers used for storage, soft plastic bags to keep vegetables fresh in the fridge).
  • Gift, buy, sell or donate plastic items that are in good condition and that you no longer need. Do this:
    • online via online marketplaces 
    • at local op shops and markets
    • at one of Council's resource recovery centres for resale at the Treasure Troves at Acacia Ridge and Geebung.

3. Recycle - Use these top tips to recycle plastic.

  • Place firm and flexible plastic containers (e.g. milk and shampoo bottles, berry punnets, biscuit trays) in your household recycling bin (yellow lid). Learn about what can go in your recycling bin and how to order a larger recycling bin for free.

  • Visit one of the Council's four resource recovery centers to recycle clean polystyrene, hard plastics, mobile phones, and more. All recycling drop-offs are free at these centres. Discover what you can take to the centres at Changler, Geebung, Nudgee and Willawong.

  • Preloved plastic toys for recycling at a Big W store.
  • Bottles and small fruit juice boxes and receive 10 cent per container. Visit the Containers for Change website to find eligible containers and refund locations.
  • Pens and markers at your nearest Officeworks store for recycling.
  • Cosmetics packaging and coffee pods with Terracycle.
  • Medicinal blister packs at participating pharmacies or by post with Pharmacycle.

Plastic waste facts

  • Plastic consumption in Australia is increasing with up to 148 kilograms of plastic per person recorded in 2020-21.
  • People discard 95% of plastic packaging after a single use.
  • Each year, up to 145,000 tonnes of plastic enter the environment.

 

  1. Cost: Plastics are cheap to make and buy, but their environmental impact is at least 10 times higher than their market price.
  2. Environment: Making plastic uses fossil fuels and gives off greenhouse gases. When plastic enters the environment as litter or from washing synthetic clothing, it remains for hundreds of years. Plants and animals soak up plastics from the environment, which then build up in the food chain.
  3. Health: Plastics release toxic chemicals into the air, soil, and water. Plastic particles and additives can be bad for peoples health.
  4. Landfill: In Brisbane, in 2022-23, people sent an estimated 46,210 tonnes of plastic waste to landfill from household general waste (red lid) bins.