10 Locations Where You Can Recycle Plastic Bottles in Wollongong

We’ve all been there – finishing a refreshing drink on a hot Wollongong day, only to be left holding a plastic bottle and wondering where on earth to put it. Sure, the recycling bin is an option, but what if you could get a little something back for doing your part? Better still, earning money from recycling is a great way to teach waste management to kids.

Good news! Wollongong offers plenty of easy and rewarding ways to recycle your plastic bottles and cans. From convenient drop-off locations to knowing exactly which containers earn you a 10c refund, we’ll break down everything you need to know to become a plastic recycling pro in the Gong.

Most drink bottles and cans you find yourself finishing on-the-go can be recycled for a 10c refund in Wollongong! Here’s a quick guide:

Eligible for 10c Refund:

1. Cans: Soft drink cans, sparkling water cans, etc.
2. Bottles: Beer bottles, water bottles, sports drink bottles, etc.
3. Cartons: Milk alternatives, juice boxes, etc.
4. Juice boxes or poppers: Small, individual serving sizes.

Important: To be eligible for a refund, containers must:

1. Be between 150ml and 3 litres.
2. Be in good condition: No crushed or broken containers.
3. Be empty: Rinse out any remaining liquids.
4. Have the label attached.
5. Display the 10c refund label.

Remember: Leave the lids on! They’ll be recycled too.

Not Eligible for Refund:

1. Plain milk bottles or cartons
2. Flavoured milk containers of 1L or more
3. Glass wine bottles
4. Glass spirit bottles
5. Cordial bottles
6. Pure juice containers 1 litre and over (comprising of at least 90% pure juice)

Still unsure? Look for the 10c refund label on the container. When in doubt, chuck it in your home recycling bin!

Recycling plastic is more important than ever. It helps protect our environment and conserve valuable resources. Here’s why:

• Conserves Natural Resources: Producing new plastic requires significant amounts of fossil fuels and other natural resources. Recycling reduces the need for these virgin materials.
• Reduces Landfill Space: Plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. Recycling helps minimise the amount of plastic waste ending up in these sites.
• Saves Energy: Recycling plastic generally uses less energy than creating new plastic from scratch.
• Reduces Pollution: Manufacturing new plastic generates harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling helps lower these emissions.
• Creates a Circular Economy: Recycling helps close the loop on plastic use, turning waste into a valuable resource.

You’ll often find numbers inside a triangle symbol on soft plastic items. These numbers represent the plastic type and can help you determine its recyclability. Here’s a quick guide:

• #1 PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): Commonly used for soft drink bottles, water bottles, and some food containers. Highly recyclable.
• #2 HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Used for milk jugs, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, and some plastic bags. Highly recyclable.
• #3 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Used for pipes, flooring, and some packaging. Recycling is limited.
• #4 LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): Used for plastic bags, shrink wrap, and food containers. Recycling is often limited.
• #5 PP (Polypropylene): This material is used for yogurt containers, bottle caps, and some food storage containers. It is becoming more widely recyclable.
• #6 PS (Polystyrene): Used for disposable cups, plates, and packaging peanuts. Recycling is limited.
• #7 Other: A mix of plastics or plastics that don’t fit into the other categories. Recycling is often very limited.