Community encouraged to recycle household goods

With the warmer weather now upon us, it’s the time of year that many people begin to undertake some spring cleaning to freshen up after Winter. The community is being reminded of the importance of correctly disposing of household and electronic waste during this time in order to maximise the amount of waste being diverted from landfill.

Armidale Regional Council Mayor Ian Tiley said it’s the perfect opportunity for people to get familiar with the wide range of services available at the region’s Waste Management Facilities and Community Recycling Centres.

“Correct waste disposal is so important in protecting our environment and local ecosystems, so I would strongly encourage everyone to think twice about throwing something into the red-lid bin if there is any chance it could be recycled,” said Mayor Tiley.

“Our Waste Management Facilities accept a huge range of items that can’t be collected kerbside, but can be recycled, for example an old mattress or a broken electrical appliance. There are so many ways to ensure your household waste is given a second life.”

Even if old appliances are broken and can’t be reused, their parts can be used to make new items, which is why it’s important not to put them in general waste. For example, the springs in an old mattress can be melted down and used to build new infrastructure, such as train tracks.

Mixing electrical waste with general waste can also be dangerous, as these items can contain toxic materials such as lead and mercury that have detrimental effects on the environment.

To help you decide what to do with your household waste, here is a helpful list of things you are able to drop off at Council’s Waste Management Facilities and Community Recycling Centres.

Community Recycling Centres (located at Armidale and Guyra Waste Transfer Facilities)

Batteries (including car batteries) E-waste - Broken electrical appliances including computers, televisions, lighting, power tools. Household chemicals Motor oil and containers Light bulbs and fluorescent tubes

Mini CRC Drop off Stations (located at Council’s Customer Service areas in areas in Armidale and Guyra)

Household batteries Fluorescent globes Smoke detectors Ink cartridges Mobile phones

Waste Management Facility:

Empty paint tin Steel Wood (including treated and with nails and fittings)* Tyres* Mattresses*

There will be a charge for depositing items marked with an asterisk.

For more information about our waste services and the closest drop off location to you, please see our Waste Services Guide.

Published on 09 Nov 2021