Top 10 Everyday Items You Didn’t Know You Could Recycle

Most Australians are aware of the importance of recycling, yet many everyday items still end up in landfill simply because people don’t realise they can be recycled. While paper, glass, and plastic bottles are common recyclables, there are many unexpected household items that can also be given a second life through recycling programs.

From old mobile phones to medication blister packs and coffee pods, this guide will show you 10 surprising items you can recycle in Australia—and how to do it properly!

10 Everyday Items You Can Recycle

Each of the following items may seem like general waste, but there are dedicated recycling programs and drop-off locations that ensure they don’t end up in landfill.

1. Old Mobile Phones & Electronics (E-Waste)

Many people assume that old phones, tablets, and other electronic devices should be thrown away. However, e-waste contains valuable materials like metals, plastics, and glass that can be recycled and repurposed.

How to recycle:

• MobileMuster is Australia’s leading phone recycling program, accepting old mobile phones, chargers, and accessories.
• Many councils offer e-waste drop-off days or permanent recycling locations.
• Some retailers like JB Hi-Fi and Officeworks accept e-waste for recycling.

2. Empty Medication Blister Packs

Blister packs from medications seem like general waste, but they contain aluminium and plastic, which are both recyclable.

How to recycle:

• TerraCycle’s medicine blister pack recycling program allows you to drop off blister packs at participating pharmacies.
• Some local pharmacies also have take-back programs for responsible disposal.

3. Coffee Pods

Single-use coffee pods are one of the biggest waste culprits, but they don’t have to end up in landfill.

How to recycle:

• Nespresso offers a free recycling program where used aluminium pods can be dropped off at their stores or sent via a free post-back service.
• Pods made from plastic can sometimes be recycled through manufacturer programs.

4. Toothbrushes & Toothpaste Tubes

Most people don’t realise that oral care products can be recycled instead of thrown in the bin.

How to recycle:

• Colgate TerraCycle program accepts used toothbrushes, empty toothpaste tubes, and dental floss containers.
• Some chemist chains and dental clinics also have collection points for oral care waste.

5. Batteries

Batteries contain hazardous materials that shouldn’t be thrown in general waste, yet many people still dispose of them incorrectly.

How to recycle:

• ALDI, Battery World, and Bunnings have battery recycling drop-off bins.
• Many local councils also offer battery recycling programs.

 Tip: Never place batteries in household recycling bins—they require special processing.

6. Old Clothes & Fabric

Unwanted clothes and textiles often end up in landfill, but there are many ways to recycle or repurpose them.

 How to recycle:

• Donate gently used clothes to charity shops like Vinnies, Salvos, and Good Sammy.
• Some fashion brands like H&M offer textile recycling bins for worn-out clothing.
• Local textile recycling programs repurpose fabric into rags or insulation material.

7. Plastic Bottle Lids

Many people assume plastic bottle caps can’t be recycled, but in reality, they can be repurposed into new products.

 How to recycle:

• Lids4Kids Australia collects plastic bottle lids to create prosthetic limbs for children.
• Some local councils accept bottle caps separately from bottles.

8. Cooking Oil

Used cooking oil should never be poured down the drain, but it can be recycled into biodiesel instead of being wasted.

 How to recycle:

• Many local waste transfer stations accept used cooking oil for recycling.
• Some restaurants and cafes participate in used oil collection services.

9. Mattresses

Mattresses take up huge amounts of landfill space, but their materials—metal springs, foam, and fabric—are highly recyclable.

 How to recycle:

• Many council waste collection services offer mattress recycling.
• Companies like Soft Landing run mattress recycling programs across Australia.

 Tip: Never dump old mattresses on the kerb—book a proper recycling service instead!

10. Wine Corks

Cork is a natural, biodegradable material, but many people throw wine corks in the bin.

 How to recycle:

• Recork Australia collects natural corks for reuse.
• Cork can also be composted if it’s 100% natural.

 Tip: Synthetic corks can’t be composted, but they can be repurposed for DIY projects.

Conclusion

Many everyday items that end up in landfill can actually be recycled—you just need to know where to take them! By making small changes in the way you dispose of household waste, you can significantly reduce landfill waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.

So next time you finish a bottle of wine, change your toothbrush, or replace an old phone, check if it can be recycled instead of throwing it away.

Take action today—start recycling smarter and encourage others to do the same!