Residents of Nyngan have been reminded to take care with recycling items as Bogan Shire Council has reported an increasing amount of contamination found in the Nyngan recycling load.

Each Wednesday recycling is transported from Nyngan to Gilgandra, where supported employment organisation Carlginda Enterprises hand sorts the items.

Lessons learnt there are applicable throughout the Western Plains region where recycling services are offered.

If done correctly recycling can be highly beneficial reducing waste and environmental impact. 

According to a report from Carlginda, at times up to 30 per cent of the load cannot be recycled due to contamination.

“It is disappointing to see that many residents are not doing the right thing with putting general garbage together with recyclables in their yellow top bin,” said Bogan Shire Council General Manager Derek Francis.

“This can potentially contaminate the whole load of recycling which means it has to go to landfill with all the associated extra costs. It also poses WHS risks for the staff at the Gilgandra recycling facility who have to sort through our recycling by hand."

“Do not put grass clippings, syringes, dirty nappies, unwashed food containers or dead animals in your recycling bin,” said a council representative.

“Paper (not shredded), cardboard, newspapers are all allowed. However, tissues, used paper towels, animal/food waste and Styrofoam products are not."

“Cans, bottles and containers displaying the recycling logo can be recycled. These should be rinsed out and lids removed.

“Even if there is only a small amount of liquid left in a recyclable container, it can no longer be recycled. This is because the substance is unknown and could potentially put the workers at risk.

“Residents are also reminded that material should be placed loosely into your recycling bin (not in plastic bags),” said the representative.

Planet Ark’s Recycling Near You website provides comprehensive reuse and recycling information relevant to the user's location. 

By visiting the website, you can learn what can be put in your household recycling bin, and find reuse and recycling options for things that can't be recycled at home such as clothing, electronics, mattresses, paint, white goods, coffee capsules and more.