Welcome to Tasmania’s statewide A–Z Guide to Recycling and Waste.
This guide helps you understand what to do with everyday items, no matter which council area you live in. Because services vary across the state, especially FOGO/green waste collection, always check your local council website for location‑specific information.
This guide explains how to correctly dispose of, recycle, donate, or drop off common household items. Learning how to Be A Good Sort at the bin helps keep waste out of landfill, and supports the circular economy here in Tasmania.
How to Use This Guide
Browse the A–Z list to learn whether an item should go to:
- R – Recycling bin
- G – FOGO/Green bin (available only in participating council areas)
- L – Landfill
- D – Donate/Charity
- T – Transfer Station
- C – Special Collection (hazardous waste, chemicals, medical sharps, etc.)
- S – Supermarket or specialist drop-off
Each item is listed along with the correct disposal route.
Why It Matters
Every item we throw away has a story. The choices we make, whether we recycle, compost, donate, or send something to landfill, impact Tasmania’s environment, natural resources, and long‑term sustainability. When we sort waste correctly, we:
Reduce landfill and protect our environment
Waste sent to landfill doesn’t disappear. It takes up space, releases greenhouse gases as it breaks down, and can impact soil and water quality. By recycling and composting properly, we dramatically reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill and help protect Tasmania’s unique natural landscapes.
Save natural resources
Recycling keeps valuable materials like aluminium, glass, steel, paper, and some plastics in circulation. Reusing materials instead of mining, harvesting, or creating new ones uses far less energy and water, helping conserve resources for future generations.
Cut emissions and support climate action
Organic waste buried in landfill breaks down without oxygen, producing methane — a potent greenhouse gas. Composting food scraps and garden waste helps cut emissions and turns waste into nutrient‑rich material that supports soil health.
Support local jobs and the circular economy
Tasmania’s recycling, resource recovery, and reuse sectors rely on well‑sorted materials to operate efficiently. When we dispose of items correctly, we help create local jobs in sorting, processing, repurposing, and repair industries.
Reduce contamination in recycling streams
Incorrect items in the recycling bin can cause entire truckloads of recyclables to be sent to landfill. Clean, correctly sorted materials ensure they can be safely processed and turned into new products.
Small actions — one yoghurt tub, one battery, one soft plastic — add up. The more Tasmanians recycle correctly, the cleaner our communities and environment become.
Be A Good Sort for Tasmania!
More Information
Finding the right place to recycle specific items can be confusing, but a range of dedicated apps and online resources make it much easier. Depending on where you live, these tools can help you identify which materials belong in which bin, discover local drop‑off points, and learn about specialist recycling programs available in your area.
Recycle Coach
Recycle Mate