Keep recycling out of waste

Did you know that here in the Cairns region more than 9,000 tonnes of recyclable material ends up our Waste Bins each year.  Every time we place something recyclable in our waste bin its recycling journey stops in landfill, forever.

So let's Lift the Right Lid with our recyclables and make sure to keep these resources in use for generations, let keep Recycling out of Waste.

Getting Started 

We need to keep the following 4 materials out of our Waste Bins and place them in our Yellow Lid Recycling Bins instead.

  • Steel & Aluminium Cans
  • Hard plastic bottles and containers
  • Paper and cardboard
  • Glass bottles and jars
Check out our tips below on how to Keep Recycling out of Waste!

To learn more about what belongs in your yellow lid recycling bin visit our recycle right homepage.

You can also look up individual items (to confirm if it belongs in the yellow lid recycling bin or waste bin) by visiting our online A-Z of waste tool.

What actually happens to waste and recycling in the Cairns region?

Every wondered what happens to waste and recycling after it’s collected? View our ‘What happens to Waste & Recycling in the Cairns Region’ page.

Last Updated: 24 November 2023

Latest News > All News

Cheer on our Paralympians at LIVE site

The big screen returns to the city on Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September for residents and visitors to...

Temporary road closures for Carnival on Collins

Road closures will apply to ensure the safety of visitors and stallholders at Carnival on Collins, Sunday 1 September 2024....

Mulgrave Gallery officially opens as part of Cairns Festival celebrations

Mulgrave Gallery, the latest addition to the Cairns Gallery Precinct, was official opened on Tuesday 27 August 2024....