Recycling Bins Australia ♻️: In a time when sustainability, compliance and cost-efficiency are top of mind for businesses, managing your waste the smart way is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Commingled recycling bin services in Australia are one of the most efficient and popular commercial recycling solutions across Australia, allowing businesses to reduce general waste volumes, cut costs and simplify recycling.

Whether you run a bustling café in Melbourne, a corporate office in Sydney or a retail store in Brisbane, this guide will walk you through how commingled recycling works, why it matters and how to get started with Waster’s industry-leading waste services.

>Download Now: Free PDF Business Owners Guide To Commingled Recycling Bin Services

 

Know what commingled recycling is

Commingled recycling, sometimes called mixed recycling or single-stream recycling, allows a wide range of recyclable materials to be collected in a single bin. These materials are later sorted at a dedicated Materials Recovery Facility (MRF).

Instead of managing multiple bins for paper, plastics and glass, you place them all into one convenient bin, typically identified by its yellow lid in Australia.

 

What goes into a commingled recycling bin in Australia?

The following recyclable items are commonly accepted:

  • Plastic bottles and containers (usually marked with recycling codes 1–7)
  • Glass bottles and jars (rinsed)
  • Aluminium cans and steel tins
  • Paper (excluding shredded or contaminated paper)
  • Cardboard (flattened, not greasy)
  • Tetra Paks and juice cartons

Not allowed: Food scraps, polystyrene, soft plastics, e-waste, plastic bags, liquids, or contaminated materials.

 

Why commingled recycling is ideal for businesses

Businesses across all sectors are moving toward commingled recycling for its simplicity, environmental impact and financial benefits.

 

Simplified recycling process

Staff don’t need to guess which bin is which — all approved recyclables go into one container, making recycling participation much higher.

 

Reduced general waste costs

Landfill disposal is more expensive than recycling. When you divert recyclables out of general waste, your general waste volumes and disposal costs decrease.

 

Supports corporate sustainability

From small businesses to large corporations, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals are becoming the norm. Commingled recycling supports those targets by improving landfill diversion and transparency.

 

Compliance with regulations

State governments and property managers often require recycling plans and reports. Using Waster’s services means you have proper tracking, reporting and bins that meet standards.

 

Recycling bins Australia: where are commingled bin services available?

Waster provides nationwide commingled bin services across major metro areas and selected regional zones:

  • Sydney
  • Melbourne
  • Brisbane
  • Perth
  • Adelaide
  • Canberra
  • Hobart
  • Gold Coast
  • Newcastle
  • Wollongong

Simply enter your postcode using our waste pricing tool to see availability in your area.

 

Recycling bins Australia: sizes and scheduling options

Bin Size Ideal For Typical Use
120L Small cafés, offices Light recyclables once/week
240L Small/medium businesses Kitchen and office recyclables
660L Retail stores, schools Mid-size operations
1100L Restaurants, warehouses High-volume recycling

Collections are flexible; choose from weekly, fortnightly, or multiple times per week depending on your volume.

 

🔧 How Is Commingled Recycling Processed?

  1. Collection: Recyclables are picked up by a licensed truck.
  2. Transport: Materials are delivered to a nearby MRF.
  3. Sorting: High-tech systems separate materials by type.
  4. Processing: Sorted materials are baled and sold to manufacturers.

Pro tip: Contamination can ruin entire batches. Keep food waste, liquids and plastic bags out of your commingled bins.

 

Recycling bins Australia: common mistakes to avoid

  • Bagging recyclables — use bins, not plastic bags
  • Failing to rinse bottles and containers
  • Including soft plastics in commingled bins

 

💸 Cost Savings from Commingled Bins

Switching from general waste to a recycling-first approach can save most businesses 10–30% on their monthly waste bills. Why?

  • Recycling services cost less per kilogram than landfill
  • Fewer general waste pickups are required
  • Flat-rate pricing avoids surprises
  • Landfill levies are avoided on recyclable material

Example: A Sydney café cut its waste bill by $220/month by moving cardboard and recyclables into dedicated commingled bins.

 

Recycling bins Australia: can you bundle waste services to save more?

Yes. Most Waster clients use bundled services like:

  • Commingled + General Waste
  • Cardboard + Organics + Commingled
  • Confidential Paper + Commingled

Bundling simplifies invoicing, reduces costs and improves service reliability.

 

🧠 How to Implement a Commingled Bin Program in Your Workplace

  1. Audit your current waste output.
  2. Choose bin locations (e.g., kitchen, warehouse).
  3. Book a service through Waster’s online portal.
  4. Train staff and provide signage.
  5. Review waste reports and adjust if needed.

 

Recycling bins Australia: Frequently Asked Questions

 

What happens if I put the wrong item in the commingled bin?

Contaminated bins may be rejected and sent to landfill. Proper education and signage reduce this risk.

 

Are commingled bins suitable for food businesses?

Yes, especially when paired with an organics bin to divert food waste separately.

 

Do you provide signage or training material?

Yes, Waster can provide bin labels and basic signage on request.

 

Can I change the bin size or frequency later?

Absolutely. You can adjust your service at any time through your Waster account.

 

🚀 Why Choose Waster for Your Commingled Bin Needs?

  • ✅ No lock-in contracts
  • ✅ Transparent flat-rate pricing
  • ✅ Licensed and insured waste services
  • ✅ Nationwide coverage
  • ✅ Focus on sustainable outcomes

 

Recycling bins Australia: ready to get started?

Join thousands of Australian businesses that trust Waster for affordable, flexible and sustainable waste services.

👉 Check prices in your area

👉 Or request a free waste consultation

 

Contacting Waster

Looking for a specific bin service? Check out our waste recycling shop and find the best deals in terms of pricing and services.

Also, please call 1300 WASTER (1300 927 837) or email us at enquiries@waster.com.au if you have any further questions.

 

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