How to Start Recycling at Home in Cairns

Before you begin, it’s important to know what materials can be recycled through local services. Cairns Regional Council offers kerbside recycling for most households, and there are also local facilities that accept a wider range of items, including eligible cans and bottles under the container refund scheme.



Common Household Items You Can Recycle:

• Paper & cardboard: Newspapers, magazines, cereal boxes, office paper, egg cartons
• Glass bottles & jars: Clear, green, and brown glass (remove lids)
• Aluminium & steel cans: Soft drink cans, food tins, aerosol cans (empty)
• Plastic containers: Bottles and tubs with recycling codes #1–#5
• Eligible drink containers: Most bottles and cans under 1 litre (through the Containers for Change program)

For effective can and bottle recycling in Cairns, always rinse containers, remove caps or lids where applicable, and flatten boxes before placing them in your recycling bin.

To make recycling convenient and consistent, set up a dedicated area in your home for recyclables.



Tips for Setting Up Your Station:

• Use separate bins or crates for each material type if space allows.
• Label each bin clearly to avoid contamination.
• Place your recycling station in a high-traffic area like the kitchen or laundry.
• Add a smaller container in bathrooms for recyclable packaging (e.g., shampoo bottles).

Having a designated system encourages everyone in the household to participate and makes sorting easier when it’s time to take your recyclables out.

One of the most impactful recycling programs in Queensland is Containers for Change, which focuses on eligible drink containers. Through this initiative, residents can return used containers for a 10-cent refund each.

What Can Be Returned:

• Plastic & aluminium drink containers (150ml–1l).
• Glass beverage bottles (excluding wine and spirits).
• Steel & liquid paperboard cartons.



If you're collecting containers at home, look for a registered depot in Cairns where you can return eligible cans and bottles for a refund or choose to donate them to a local cause.

How to Use the Program:

• Collect eligible containers in a separate bag or bin
• Remove caps and empty liquids
• Take them to NQRA’s drop-off point
• Use your unique Containers for Change Scheme ID to receive funds via bank deposit

Contamination is one of the biggest issues affecting the efficiency of recycling systems. Items that are not recyclable or are incorrectly disposed of can spoil entire batches of recyclable material.



Common Contamination Mistakes to Avoid:

• Placing food-stained containers (e.g., pizza boxes) in the recycling bin.
• Recycling soft plastics like plastic bags, cling wrap, or chip packets in the kerbside bin.
• Including non-recyclable items such as ceramics, clothing, and nappies.
• Placing items in the recycling bin inside plastic bags (keep them loose).

When in doubt, refer to Cairns Council’s recycling guide for advice on proper disposal.

In Cairns, household recycling involves both Council kerbside collections and local facilities that handle items not accepted in regular bins. While kerbside services cover many common recyclables, some materials can be taken to dedicated depots for proper disposal.

Materials Accepted at NQRA’s Cairns Facility:

• Aluminium cans & bottles.
• Steel & non-ferrous metals.
• Cardboard in bulk quantities.
• Commercial recycling services for eligible businesses.
• Large-scale container drop-offs for Containers for Change.

These services are ideal for residents who generate more recycling than their kerbside bin can handle or wish to participate more actively in the Containers for Change program.

Recycling is most successful when everyone in the household is involved. Educating children and reinforcing habits through routine helps establish lifelong environmentally responsible behaviour.

Ideas to Get the Family Involved:

• Make a game of sorting items correctly.
• Track refunds earned from bottle returns and put them toward a family reward.
• Create a visual recycling chart for young children.
• Visit the recycling facility to learn about the process firsthand.

When recycling becomes part of the household routine, it benefits the environment and teaches valuable lessons about responsibility and sustainability.

Once you’re comfortable with basic home recycling, consider extending your efforts to include:

• Battery recycling: Drop-off points are available at selected retailers.
• E-waste recycling: Local facilities may be able to advise on suitable drop-off points or programs for responsibly disposing of electronic items.
• Recycling household items through community programs: Some schools and charities collect specific items for reuse or fundraising.

Recycling doesn’t stop at bottles and cans—it can include electronics, batteries, clothing, and more when directed through the right channels.

Final Tips for a Successful Recycling Routine

• Stay updated on local recycling guidelines.
• Rinse and dry all containers before recycling.
• Flatten boxes to save space in your bin.
• Use clear bags for Containers for Change drop-offs (no need to sort further if clean).
• Never dispose of sharp objects or hazardous materials in recycling bins.

By following these practices, you’ll contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable Cairns while maximising the benefits of local recycling programs.

Starting your home recycling journey is easier when you have the right support. At North Queensland Recycling Agents, we offer practical solutions for recycling in Cairns, including drop-off services, bottle and can refunds, and commercial recycling support.

As a registered operator for Containers for Change, we’re proud to help Cairns residents reduce waste, support community causes, and promote sustainability one container at a time.

Ready to make recycling part of your household routine? Contact our team or visit our Cairns facility to get started.