Waste & Recycling

There are simple steps to reduce the amount of rubbish you send to landfill in the ACT. Disposing of waste properly helps the environment. Avoiding food waste could even save you money. If you can't reduce or reuse, then recycle. Follow simple recycling rules to get your waste sorted. The ACT Government’s Recyclopaedia has a comprehensive list of recyclable items to help you recycle right.

For other recycling options near you, visit Recycle Mate or Planet Ark Recycling Near You

Canberra households are eligible for one free bulky waste collection each year for hard rubbish that won’t fit in kerbside bins (eg. old furniture and broken appliances). Find out which items are accepted. 

E-waste includes any item with a plug, battery or power cord that’s no longer working or unwanted. Items in good condition can be donated to Goodies Junction (Mitchell or Mugga Lane).

You can also dispose of your e-waste for free here:

·      Mitchell Resource Management Centre (Mitchell)

·      Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre (Symonston)

• The Recyclery (Harrison) – accepts donations of second-hand bicycles in reasonable condition. 

• Goodies Junction (Mitchell, or Mugga Lane) – accepts reusable goods, including homeware, building & DIY, fashion and textiles, entertainment, electronics, outdoor goods and active gear.

• Give Now (Australia wide) – accepts a wide range of goods from books and cars, to electrical and hair, and mobile phones and stamps. 

• ‘Recycling Near You’ with Planet Ark (Australia wide) – cover what goes in your local household recycling bin and recycling/reuse options for clothing, electronics, mattresses, paint, white goods, coffee capsules and more.

• GIVIT (Australia wide) – accepts pre-loved, quality items and redirects it from landfill to Australians in need. 

• Clean, usable items can also be donated to op shops and clothes bins.

Garden organics like shrubs, trees and grass clippings, leaves and general garden waste can be dropped off at three main facilities in the ACT: at Corkhill Bros (Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre, Symonston) and Canberra Sand and Gravel(West Belconnen Resource Management Centre and Vicars Street, Mitchell).

Organic food waste and kitchen scraps can also be dropped off at the Canberra Environment Centre where it will be fed into our giant ‘Worms Downunder’ worm farm which is full of wriggling composters from Global Worming! Details here.