Search our comprehensive guide to find out how to dispose of specific items.
Includes abrochures, catalogues, cards, flyers, magazines, newspapers, junk mail, paper and cardboard.
Household aerosol including deodorant, insect spray and air freshener.
Some aged care equipment can be donated through initiatives like Medical Equipment Reissue Project. [https://www.rotarykeilor.org.au/stories/medical-equipment-reissue-project] Large items can be collected through our hard waste collection service. For collection requirements, please visit hard waste collection service [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Hard-waste].
Clean aluminium cans, tins and aluminium foil containers/trays.
Sheets of aluminium foil should be scrunched into a ball. Please ensure the foil is mostly free of food and the scrunched ball is about the size of a tennis ball.
Can be collected through our hard waste collection service [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Hard-waste].
Includes all variations of canvas, paint brushes, pencils, pens, markers, picture frames and photographs.
Asbestos is classed as a hazardous material and can only be disposed of at certain locations. Asbestos fibres are hazardous if inhaled, posing a risk of asbestosis and cancer of the lungs. If asbestos is found on your property, you should hire a professional to collect and dispose of it in a safe and legal manner. There are several organisations involved in giving information and advice and regulating on the removal and disposal of asbestos. These include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA Victoria), WorkSafe, the Department of Health & Human Services and local councils. If you have an asbestos related question, a handy one-stop-shop of information is asbestos.vic.gov.au [http://www.asbestos.vic.gov.au/].
Ash can have traces of embers, causing fires in the household bins or even the collection vehicle. Please ensure ash has completely cooled and bag it before putting in your general rubbish bin.
Includes all variations of balloons.
Includes all variations of carry baskets.
Baskets and buckets in poor condition can be placed in the general rubbish bin if they will fit. Consider donating if in good condition.
Taking batteries to a specialised battery collection point ensures these metals are recovered and cannot cause environmental damage. All batteries contain dangerous metals and chemicals which can spark a fire. If sent to landfill, these can leak and contaminate soil and groundwater. Council has battery collection points at our Libraries and at the Civic Centre, 115 Civic Parade Altona. To find out more, visit Other options for household waste - Hobsons Bay [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Other-options-for-household-waste].
BBQs can be collected through our hard waste collection service [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Hard-waste].
You can donate your bicycle or book a hard waste collection.
Plastic biscuit, cookie and cracker trays.
Unusable bedding can be placed in the general rubbish bin. Consider donating if in good condition.
Meat bones, raw and cooked. Hint: Freeze meat bones and scraps until bin collection day to reduce odours.
Damaged books can go in your mixed recycling bin. Consider donating if in good condition.
Includes all variations of bread bag ties and bread tags. Bread tags can also be dropped at our Recycling Made Easy [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Other-options-for-household-waste] cabinets.
Bread, cakes, pasta and rice can go in your food and garden bin.
Includes all variations of glass bottles, broken on intact, including their lids.
Includes all variations of glass jars.
Bubble wrap and other soft plastic packaging.
Building materials are not accepted in household bins. This includes plasterboard, bricks and timber. You must arrange an alternative way to safely dispose of building materials. See our website for information. [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Other-options-for-household-waste]
Includes all types of candles.
Cardboard boxes including pizza boxes egg cartons, frozen food boxes, cereal boxes, tissue boxes and muesli bar boxes.
No car parts should be placed in household bins and require special handling for safe disposal. See our website for information. [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Other-options-for-household-waste]
Carpet and rugs can be collected through our hard waste collection service. For collection requirements, please visit hard waste collection service [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Hard-waste].
Recycling facilities: * Car Take Back Australia [https://www.cartakebackaust.com/branches/sell-my-car-melbourne] * Kids Under Cover [https://www.kuc.org.au/get-involved/donate-your-car/] Car Take Back Australia will buy an incomplete car, a damaged car, a non-running car, a car with high mileage, a car without a valid insurance policy, and even a car without keys (as long as it is accessible). Kids Under Cover help fund vital programs that give young people at risk of homelessness brighter futures.
Broken car seats can be collected through our hard waste collection service [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Hard-waste]. Consider donating if in good condition.
CDs and DVDs can be placed in the general rubbish bin or dropped at our Recycling Made Easy [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Other-options-for-household-waste] cabinets.
Cellophane and foil wrapping paper.
Includes plates, cups, saucers and other ceramic tablewear. If ceramic items are not broken and are in a saleable condition, consider donating to a local charity.
Includes all variations of empty cardboard cereal boxes, as well as those with high embossed or glossy inks.
Chemicals and chemical drums are considered hazardous waste and can be dangerous if placed in your household bins. Toxic household chemicals including solvents, poisons, cleaning products, fertiliser and car care products require special handling for safe disposal. Visit Sustainability Victoria for more information. [https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/recycling-and-reducing-waste-at-home/hazardous-household-chemicals?mc_cid=6e9a0b0a11&mc_eid=6afc41e54f]
Includes all variations of chewing gum.
Cardboard cigarette packets (plastic removed) can be placed in the mixed recycling bin. Cigarettes and rolled tobacco go in the general rubbish bin.
Cling wrap including biodegradable and compostable plastic wrap.
Includes all cardboard baking paper and cling wrap boxes, with or without metal serrated edges. Please remove the contents of the box and dispose of it in your rubbish bin, before recycling the cardboard box and roll in your mixed recycling bin. The metal perforated edging can remain on the box.
Textiles including clothes, bags, bedding, curtains and shoes. Consider donating if in good condition.
Coffee cups (either polystyrene or paper with a plastic coating).
Loose coffee grounds go in the food and garden bin. Please note coffee pods should go in the general rubbish bin.
Coffee pods. Please note loose coffee grounds can go in the food and garden bin.
Includes all variations of contraception items.
Includes all variations of cork bottle stoppers.
Includes all variations of cotton wool ear cleaning buds and cotton wool balls.
Dairy products including yoghurt, cheese, dip, cream etc. go in your food and garden bin. Packaging must be disposed of separately.
Both plastic and cardboard detergent bottles and cleaning cartons including lids.
Includes all variations of household doors. Recycling facilities: * Brooklyn Resource Recovery Centre [https://www.cleanaway.com.au/location/brooklyn] * Moonee Valley Transfer Station [https://recyclingnearyou.com.au/business/12547] * Melton Waste Transfer Station [https://www.melton.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Melton-Recycling-Facility-MRF/Transfer-Station] Transfer & Disposal Centres: Fees may apply. Restrictions and allowances are subject to change. See website for more details.
Includes all variations of baby dummies or oral pacifiers.
Egg cartons are made of paper and can be recycled.
Includes all variations of eggs and egg shells.
Small items can be dropped at our Recycling Made Easy [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Other-options-for-household-waste] cabinets; large items can be collected through our hard waste collection service [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Hard-waste]. Battery operated or electronic items including adapters can spark a fire when put in your household bins, so please dispose of them correctly.
Large electronic waste items like TVs can be collected through our hard waste collection. For collection requirements, please visit hard waste collection service [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Hard-waste]
Small items can be dropped at our Recycling Made Easy [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Other-options-for-household-waste] cabinets; large items can be collected through our hard waste collection service [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Hard-waste]. Battery operated or electronic items including phones and adapters can spark a fire when put in your household bins, so please dispose of them properly.
Fire extinguishers require specialised disposal from a licenced operator. See our website for information. [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Other-options-for-household-waste]
Items such as blister packs, band aids, bandages can be disposed of in your general rubbish bin. Take your expired or unused medication to your local pharmacy for disposal. You can also drop blister packs to be recycled at one of our Recycling Made Easy [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Other-options-for-household-waste] cabinets.
Foam or expanded polystyrene should be put in your general rubbish bin.
You can put almost all food waste in your food and garden bin.
Whitegoods can be collected through our hard waste collection service [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Hard-waste].
Large furniture items including couches, beds, chairs and desks can be collected through our hard waste collection service. For collection requirements, please visit hard waste collection service [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Hard-waste].
Includes all variations of garden implements and tools. Only small items that fit within the rubbish bin are accepted. Larger items can be collected through our hard waste collection service [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Hard-waste].
Garden waste, including lawn clippings, prunings, small sticks, twigs, flowers and leaves. Note: large stumps and branches can jam our machines and must be cut into smaller pieces before being placed into your food and garden bin.
All variations of gas bottles require special handling for safe disposal. See our website for information. [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Other-options-for-household-waste]
Includes all variations of plastic gift cards.
With the lids on, clear, brown and green glass bottles and jars can be placed in your glass bin or find your nearest refund point here. [https://cdsvic.org.au]
Place in general rubbish bin or drop off one of our Recycling Made Easy [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Other-options-for-household-waste] cabinets. We take: * Reading glasses * Sunglasses * Empty glasses frames We won't take: * Contact lenses or cases
Jars with the lids on go in the glass bin. Includes clear, brown and green glass jars.
Includes all variations of glass milk bottles, including their lids can be placed in the glass bin or find your nearest refund point here. [https://cdsvic.org.au]
Fluorescent light globes contain mercury which can be dangerous if put into landfill. Fluorescent lights can be taken to one of our Recycling Made Easy [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Other-options-for-household-waste] cabinets.
Includes all variations of golf balls.
Includes all variations of hot water bottles and heat packs and bags.
Hazardous household cleaning products can be dangerous if placed in your kerbside bin and require special handling for safe disposal. Visit Sustainability Victoria for more information. [https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/recycling-and-reducing-waste-at-home/hazardous-household-chemicals?mc_cid=6e9a0b0a11&mc_eid=6afc41e54f]
All rigid plastic including containers and bottles can be put in your mixed recycling bin.
Ink cartridges cannot by placed in any of the household bins. Visit Planet Ark [https://www.recyclingnearyou.com.au/] for a drop off location near you.
Paper including newspaper, junk mail, magazines and brochures. Any plastic wrapping must be removed. You can avoid junk mail waste by placing a “No Junk Mail” sign on your letter box.
Includes all variations of kitchen baking trays, ceramics, china, cutlery, glass storage, chopping boards, baking ware, tupperware, crockery, metal pots and pans and woks.
Includes clean and soiled.
Includes grass, lawn clippings, prunings, small sticks, twigs, flowers and leaves. Note: Large stumps and branches can jam our machines and must be cut into pieces under 30cm in length before being placed into your food and garden bin.
Lead can be found in many parts of your home (especially in older homes) and requires special handling for safe disposal. See our website for information. [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Other-options-for-household-waste]
Light globes contain mercury which can be dangerous if put into landfill. For safe disposal and recycling, please drop at our Recycling Made Easy [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Other-options-for-household-waste] cabinets.
Includes all variations of recreational and household lighters, matches and matchboxes.
Includes magazines, newspapers and junk mail.
Includes all variations of fridge, ring, horseshoe, wand and bar magnets.
Mattresses at the end of their useful life can be collected through our hard waste collection service. For collection requirements, please visit hard waste collection service [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Hard-waste].
Includes meat bones, raw and cooked.
Polystyrene meat trays and foam meat trays cannot be recycled and should be placed into the general rubbish bin.
Includes all variations of plastic meat trays.
Plastic and cardboard milk cartons containing fresh milk, including lids.
Small mirrors can be placed in the general rubbish bin. Larger mirrors (wrapped in an old tarp or blanket) can be collected through our hard waste collection service [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Hard-waste].
Includes glass mirrors, windows, light globes and drinking glasses. These items cannot be recycled as the melting properties differ to those of food-grade glass.
Battery operated or electronic items including phones and adapters can spark a fire when put in your household bins. Phones can be dropped at our Recycling Made Easy [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Other-options-for-household-waste] cabinets for safe disposal and recycling.
Includes all variations of nappies.
All Sharps including needles and syringes, diabetic pens, lancets, Epi-pens and other injecting devices need to be disposed of into approved sharps containers. Sharps should never be placed in your household bins.
Includes newspaper, junk mail, magazines and books.
Small amounts of cooking oil can be put in your general rubbish bin if it has either been hardened or absorbed using paper towel, newspaper or another absorbent material.
Car oil requires special handling for safe disposal. Visit Sustainability Victoria for more information. [https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/recycling-and-reducing-waste-at-home/hazardous-household-chemicals?mc_cid=6e9a0b0a11&mc_eid=6afc41e54f]
Includes all oral hygiene products such as toothbrushes, toothpicks, floss and toothpaste.
Paint can be dangerous if placed in your household bins and requires special handling for safe disposal. Visit Sustainability Victoria for more information. [https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/recycling-and-reducing-waste-at-home/hazardous-household-chemicals?mc_cid=6e9a0b0a11&mc_eid=6afc41e54f]
Includes blank and printed office paper.
Shredded paper is accepted in the mixed recycling bin if it is enclosed in either a paper bag or cardboard box, such as a shoe box. Don’t put loose shredded paper in the recycling bin. Small pieces of paper cannot be sorted at the recycling facility, as it falls through the machinery and goes to landfill.
Includes clean and soiled paper towel.
Includes pens, pencils, texters, crayons, markers etc.
Includes all variations of glass and plastic perfume bottles.
All pet bedding, straw, scratching posts, cage lining, pet toys, food & water bowls, bedding, leads & collars and litter can be placed in the general rubbish bin.
Includes raw and cooked pet food.
Pet waste and animal droppings should be bagged and put in your general rubbish bin. Animal fur/hair also must go in your general rubbish Bin.
Old phone books can be recycled by being placed into your mixed recycling bin.
Includes empty pizza boxes with food scraped off.
Includes empty (soil and debris free) plastic plant pots and seedling containers.
Includes shopping bags, bread bags, cereal and frozen food bags, cling wrap, drink bladders, fresh produce bags, chip and chocolate wrappers and bubble wrap.
Plastic bottles; you can leave the lids on.
Rigid plastic containers and bottles including yogurt containers, icecream containers, plastic bottles, plastic plant pots, shampoo bottles, soft drink bottles and vitamin containers.
Includes all disposable plastic plates and cups.
Real Christmas trees can be placed into the food and garden bin. Cut up the tree into sections to ensure the lid of the bin can close on collection day. You can also drop your tree off for recycling at Council’s Christmas Tree Drop Off Day [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/visit/Whats-On/2025-Christmas-tree-drop-off-day]. Check our website for information.
Includes feminine hygiene products, incontinence pads and other sanitary items.
Scrap metal should never be placed in your household kerbside bin and require special handling for safe disposal. See our website for information. [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Other-options-for-household-waste]
Seafood, including fish and shellfish, raw and cooked.
Includes serviettes, napkins and paper towel.
Please remove smoke alarm batteries and dispose of this electronic waste correctly through our Recycling Made Easy [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Other-options-for-household-waste] cabinets. Household smoke alarms can then go in the general rubbish bin. All smoke detectors used for commercial or industrial purposes must be returned to the supplier for disposal. For more info on the safe disposal of smoke detectors, contact the Radiation Safety Section, Department of Human Services, PH: 1300 767 469 [tel:1300767469].
Includes all variations of residential and commercial dirt, mulch or compost waste. Soil and sand requires special handling for safe disposal. See our website for information. [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Other-options-for-household-waste]
Consider donating if in good condition, otherwise equipment can be collected through our hard waste collection service. For collection requirements, please visit hard waste collection service [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Hard-waste].
Includes rigid/hard plastic takeaway containers and bottles.
Tea bags cannot go in your food and garden bin as they are wrapped in plastic.
Includes both clean and dirty tissues.
Includes all variations of empty toilet and paper towel rolls.
Broken toys can be placed in the general rubbish bin. Consider donating if in good condition.
Large tree stumps and branches measuring over 30cm in length need to be collected through our hard waste collection. For collection requirements, please visit hard waste collection service [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Hard-waste]. Small branches and stumps, or 30cm or less can go in your food and garden bin.
Car tyres cannot go in your household bins. See our website for alternative disposal information. [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Other-options-for-household-waste]
Includes all variations of UHT cartons including custard, cream, milk, stock, fruit juice, soup, non dairy milk and wine.
Small amounts of untreated wood and timber can be placed in the food and garden bin. Treated wood cannot go in any household bin. See our website for alternative disposal information. [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Other-options-for-household-waste]
Include dusty contents of your vacuum cleaner.
Our vape recycling collection bins at Altona Library and Newport Community Hub are temporarily unavailable. We hope to have them open again soon. Please hold onto your vapes until then. We will update this page once the bins have been reopened.
Includes all vegetables, raw and cooked.
Used car batteries, as well as other used lead-acid batteries are hazardous waste and should be disposed of appropriately.
Includes VHS video tapes and audio tapes. They should not be placed in your household bins. See our website for alternative disposal information. [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Other-options-for-household-waste]
Includes empty vitamin and tablet containers made of plastic.
Includes all variations of vitamins in tablet or capsule form.
Includes all variations of waxed cardboard ice cream tubs.
Garden waste, including weeds, lawn clippings, prunings, small sticks, twigs, flowers and leaves can be placed in the food and garden bin.
Whitegoods can be collected through our hard waste collection service. For collection requirements, please visit hard waste collection service [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Hard-waste].
Small amounts of window glass can be placed in the general rubbish bin. Larger glass sheets can be wrapped in an old tarp or blanket and safely broken into smaller pieces. Carefully bag the smaller glass pieces and place into the red waste bin.
The inner foil bag goes in general rubbish bin. Cardboard boxes can be placed in the mixed recycling bin.
Wrapping paper including deli paper that is not shiny foil or plastic can be placed in the mixed recycling bin. Cellophane, shiny foil or plastic wrap should go in your general rubbish bin.
Place in general rubbish bin or you can also drop x-rays to be recycled at one of our Recycling Made Easy [https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Other-options-for-household-waste] cabinets.
Includes all variations of yoga mats, equipment & accessories.
Includes all variations of plastic snap lock bags.