The Ultimate Australian Summer Recycling Guide
- Simply Cups
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Summer in Australia is all about beach days, barbecues, school holidays, and time spent with friends and family. With the warmer months also comes an increase in seasonal items, and waste can add up quickly. From worn swimwear to empty sunscreen tubes, here is your guide to recycling smarter this summer.
Can you recycle swimwear and towels?
Swimwear and towels cannot be recycled in your household recycling bins, but they can be recycled through specialised recycling programs.
If your bathers or towels are past their best, they can still be given a second life. Through textile recycling programs like UPPAREL, old swimwear, towels and other fabrics are collected and carefully sorted. Items in good condition are donated to local charities, while those that can no longer be worn are repurposed or transformed into new materials. This process ensures textiles are recycled responsibly and kept within a circular system, helping reduce waste and extend the life of valuable materials.
Can you recycle beach and pool toys?
With Christmas falling in summer here in Australia, beach and pool toys are a popular gift choice. They can last a long time, but they are often forgotten, have been punctured or broken after the season ends.
These items cannot be recycled through your household recycling bins.
If the toys are still in good condition, consider donating them to your local op-shop so they can be enjoyed again.
For inflatable toys made from PVC, SUNNYLiFE has partnered with Ploys Designs to recycle and repurpose the material into new products, including beach bags.
Can you recycle sunglasses?
Sunglasses cannot be recycled in your household recycling bins, but they can be recycled through specialised recycling programs.
Opticycle recycles eyeglasses, including sunglasses, by collecting them through participating stores such as Specsavers. The items are then sorted and processed, with the materials broken down into raw resources that can be used by local Australian businesses to create future products.
Can you recycle sunscreen?
Sunscreen bottles and tubes can be recycled in your household recycling bins but it’s important to double check the packaging for the Australasian Recycling Label or with your local council regulations.
If the sunscreen container is recyclable, make sure it is completely empty and clean. Most sunscreen containers have a seal and lid, which cannot be recycled in your household recycling bins.
Can you recycle thongs?
Thongs cannot be recycled in your household recycling bins but they can be recycled through specialised recycling programs including Tread Lightly.
If you have unwanted thongs or slides, Tread Lightly will accept your shoes and turn them into new products including flooring for playgrounds and sporting surfaces.
Can you recycle paper cups?
Yes, but they cannot be recycled in your household recycling bins. Instead, takeaway paper cups including coffee cups, soft drink cups and ice cream cups can be recycled with Simply Cups.
Cups recycled with Simply Cups can be turned into new products including lightweight concrete, roads and sustainable building materials. Find your closest drop off location here.
Can you recycle hats?
Hats cannot be recycled in your household recycling bins.
If you’ve outgrown your hat or if it has wear and tear, recycle it with UPPAREL. Check here for other clothing items that UPPAREL accepts.
Can you recycle reusable drink bottles?
Reusable drink bottles made from metal or steel cannot be recycled in your household recycling bins.
If your drink bottle is in good condition, give it a good clean and consider taking it to your local op-shop to donate it. If your drink bottle is broken or not suitable to be donated, check with your local council to see whether there are other recycling solutions available.
If you happen to end up with a single-use drink container, you can recycle bottles and cans through your local Container Deposit Scheme and takeaway paper cups with Simply Cups.
If there’s anything else that you’re not sure about, you can check out handy sites like https://recyclingnearyou.com.au/ or https://recyclemate.com.au/ to find a local participating collection/recycling program.
