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Recycling

Recycling paper and cardboard in Brisbane

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Learn how to recycle paper and cardboard in Brisbane and reduce landfill waste. Discover the benefits of recycling, what can and can't be recycled, and helpful tips.

Every year, about 27,000 tonnes of paper and cardboard ends up in landfill in Brisbane because it ended up in the wrong bin. We all have a role to play in recycling at home to prevent waste to landfill. Use this blog to learn more about paper and cardboard recycling. 

Let's get recycling sorted together by using the right bin for paper and cardboard every time!

Benefits of recycling

  1. Reduces greenhouse emissions.
  2. Saves energy and water.
  3. Conserves non-renewable resources.
  4. Reduces waste to landfill.
  5. Creates more job opportunities than landfill disposal.
  6. Empowers everyone to be part of the waste solution.

What happens to my paper waste?

You can add most types of paper and cardboard to your recycling bin. 

Following bin collection, Council's recycling trucks take your recyclable waste to a material recovery facility for sorting. Council recycles all paper and cardboard items locally, reprocessing them into other useable goods.

What paper products can go in my recycling bin?

Here is your quick go-to list of common paper and cardboard items that can be recycled:

  • cereal boxes and other cardboard from food packaging
  • corrugated cardboard packing boxes
  • egg cartons
  • envelopes (including window envelopes)
  • gift wrapping and packaging paper
  • glossy paper and magazines
  • greeting cards
  • junk mail and brochures
  • laundry detergent boxes
  • manilla folders
  • milk and juice cartons
  • newspapers
  • office paper (including scrap paper and notepaper, white and coloured)
  • paper bags
  • paper padded post packs
  • phone books
  • pizza boxes (even with a little bit of cheese)
  • removalist boxes
  • shredded paper, as long as it is in a cardboard box
  • tissue boxes
  • toilet rolls
  • toy boxes.

What paper waste can't go in my recycling bin?

Here is a list of paper and carboard items you need to keep out of your recycling bin:

  • books
  • coffee cups (cardboard)
  • long-life cartons
  • nappies (unhygienic to process alongside other recyclables and paper fibres are too short to recycle)
  • padded envelopes with bubble wrap on the insider
  • paper towels
  • photographs
  • tissues (unhygienic to process alongside other recyclables and paper fibres are too short to recycle)
  • toilet paper
  • wax-coated cardboard boxes (like fruit boxes - the wax makes it too difficult to recover paper fibres)
  • wax-coated paper (like baking paper).

Top 4 tips to become a better recycler at home

We've compiled our top 4 tips to become a better household recycler.

1. Indentify recyclable items around the house

Place items made from paper, cardboard, firm plastic, metal (aluminium and steel) and glass in your recycling bin.

Check packaging for an Australasian Recycling Label. Labels provide you with simple recycling information.

2. Use different bins to collect more

Make collecting recyclables at home easier by placing a bin for recyclables in your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry. Sorting your recyclables at the point of disposal may help you recycle more.

3. Don't forget that every little bit counts

Trying to recycle 1-2 extra items each week helps conserve precious resources from going to landfill.

4. Upgrade to a larger recycling bin

Need more space for your household recycling? Upgrade to a larger recycling bin to increase your recycling capacity.

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