What can go in the recycling bin
A few types of takeaway packaging are accepted in your yellow‑top bin, but only if they’re:
- Made from rigid plastic (but not if it’s black)
- Clean and empty – no food scraps, no sauce, no grease
- Aluminium trays, if they’re free of food
- Plain paper or cardboard (not plastic lined or coated) like dry paper bags or clean burger boxes.
If the container looks like something you could wash and use again, and it’s not oily, it probably has a shot at being recycled. Common recycling mistakes
What goes in the general waste bin
These are the common types of packaging that can’t be recycled through your kerbside bin:
- Soft, flimsy containers, such as those used for rice paper rolls or sushi
- Black plastic containers (the sorting machines can’t detect black plastic)
- Pizza boxes and burger wrappers splattered with oil, grease or sauce
- Foam trays or boxes
- Ice cream tubs or noodle boxes – they’re usually made of cardboard lined with plastic
- Coffee cups and takeaway lids – even if they say they’re compostable, they can’t be recycled in your kerbside bins.
- Soft plastics, such as cling wrap or salad bags
If you’re not sure, the red‑lid bin is the safer option. Contaminated recycling is more of a problem than the odd missed item.
And those 'eco' containers?
A lot of takeaway shops now use packaging made from things like sugarcane, bamboo or plant‑based plastic. These often look recyclable – or even say they’re compostable – but they’re not accepted in most kerbside recycling systems.
WA’s plastic bans and how they affect packaging
WA’s Plan for Plastics started in 2022 and is being rolled out in stages. So far, the state has banned the supply of plastic straws, cutlery, plates, and many types of takeaway containers – even some that are labelled compostable.
This means a lot of the plastic packaging that used to come with takeaway meals has now been replaced with alternatives. But just because something looks more ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it can be recycled at home. When in doubt – leave it out. If you’re genuinely unsure, it’s better to put it in the red bin than risk ruining a whole batch of recycling.
Look beyond the recycling symbol. Just because there’s a triangle on the bottom doesn’t mean it’s accepted in your bin. Black plastic containers, lined cardboard and foam containers often carry symbols but still can’t be recycled at home.
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