Can Scrap Metal Go in the Recycling Bin?

Mostly, no. The yellow-lid recycling bin is built for packaging, and the metal it takes is food and drink cans. Scrap metal such as pipe, wire, pots and pans, tools and car parts should go to a scrap metal recycler instead. Rules vary a little between councils, so check your council’s guide if you are unsure.

What goes in the yellow bin

• Aluminium drink cans.
• Steel food tins.
• In many council areas, empty aerosol cans and clean foil too.

What does not

• Wire, cable and cords. They wrap around the sorting machinery.
• Pipe, pots and pans, tools and car parts. Council recycling is not set up for them.
• Batteries of any kind. They can start fires in garbage trucks and sorting plants.
• Gas bottles.

Where the rest goes

• Scrap metal: a scrap metal yard, which pays you for it.
• Drink cans: NSW’s Return and Earn scheme refunds 10 cents on eligible containers.
• Car batteries, gas bottles and paint: your nearest Community Recycling Centre takes household quantities free.
• Old whitegoods: your council clean-up, or a scrap yard. Fridges and freezers must be degassed by a licensed technician first.