We all want to do the right thing when it comes to the environment and ensuring we dispose of our rubbish and waste properly and responsibly. With all the different waste removal options today, and all the different materials and items we may be disposing of, it can seem overwhelming to know how it all works.
Let’s take a look at how to properly dispose of all your unwanted household items, clothing, rubbish and more.
Repurpose if Possible
Remember, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. There are likely plenty of items around your house that you no longer have need for, and want to get rid of.
As consumers, we should all stop and think before throwing things away. If the item is still in good condition, it may be worth donating or selling it on Facebook Marketplace.
In addition, don’t underestimate the power of repurposing. Even items like scrap metal, old craft supplies and cardboard boxes can be repurposed around the home – think linen cupboard storage, craft activities on a rainy day, or DIY garden projects.
Before you throw out something you think has reached the end of its usefulness, consider if it can be repurposed or given new life. However, sometimes it really is just rubbish!
Use your Recycling Bin
Many people don’t use their recycling bins nearly enough, for fear of putting in the wrong things. Using your council collected recycling bin is a great way of keeping recyclable materials out of landfill.
Here are some things you can put into your recycling bin:
- Glass – such as sauce jars and beer and wine bottles
- Cardboard – such as flattened packing boxes, milk cartons, egg cartons, cereal boxes
- Rigid plastics – such as milk bottles, rinsed ice cream containers and plastic bottles
- Aluminium and steel cans – such as soft drink cans and washed pet food cans
Items that can’t go into your recycling bin:
- Soft plastics – such as plastic bags. Place all items directly into the recycling bin, not wrapped in bags
- Coffee cups
- Polystyrene
- Garden or green waste
- Aerosols
- Batteries
- Ceramics
- Clothes
- Contaminated items – such as food containers that haven’t been thoroughly rinsed, used tissues or greasy pizza boxes
Hire a Skip Bin
If you have a large amount of waste to get rid of, such as during renovations, following a spring clean or before moving house, hiring a skip bin is a convenient and affordable way of disposing of rubbish.
Get in touch with a local skip bin hire company and organise for a skip bin to be delivered when you need it. You can load up the skip with all your unwanted items, and it will be taken away and disposed of.
Skip bins are a responsible form of waste removal in Perth, as the skip bin company will ensure all items that can be recycled, are recycled, to reduce what ends up in landfill. A skip bin is the most efficient form of rubbish removal in Perth for large volumes of rubbish, either domestic or commercial.
Getting rid of old clothes
If you have clothing you no longer wear, consider donating the items to a local charity or homeless shelter. If your unwanted clothes are in good condition, they can go on to make a huge difference to someone that is going through a hard time.
If your unwanted clothes are damaged, irreversibly stained or otherwise at the end of their life, consider if there’s any way you can repurpose parts of the fabric that are still in good nick. That stained t-shirt dress can be cut up and made into cushion covers, hair scrunchies, or rags for washing the car.
Many animal shelters are always on the lookout for old textiles they can use to make dog beds, toys or to use as rags. Donating your old clothing is a fantastic way of keeping textiles out of landfill, and helping out the local animal shelter at the same time.
Composting
Some local councils now have a three bin system – one bin for general waste, one for recycling, and one for food matter. Check with your council if you’re not sure, but generally the food waste bin accepts:
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Egg shells
- Coffee grounds
- Loose tea leaves
- Bread, pasta and cereal
- Other food scraps
If your council doesn’t yet have a third bin for food or organic waste, you can set up your own compost bin at home. Composting breaks down organic matter, so you can reduce your household waste, minimise how much goes into landfill, and add nutrients to your soil at home at the same time.
You don’t have to invest in an expensive compost set up – have a look at Bunnings and other homeware or hardware stores to find a small compost bin to get started.
Before you toss something into your general waste bin next, give it a little more thought. Is there any way you can repurpose it? Is there a better way you can dispose of it? If we’re all just a little more mindful of how we dispose of our rubbish, it can make a huge difference to our collective environmental footprint.
