Beyond the Yellow Bin

The yellow bin is where recycling begins, but choosing to repair, reuse and recycle beyond the yellow bin helps keep valuable materials in use for longer.

Yellow bin recycling is now second nature for most people in our community – we are more than comfortable disposing of our paper, cardboard, hard plastics, glass bottles, jars and metal cans in this manner.

But what about other items that are recyclable, but can’t be placed in the yellow bin? Are they destined for landfill?

Do you know what goes in your yellow bin?

Check your knowledge here

The good news is they don’t have to be! There are now a variety of local and national programs that can help divert these hard-to-recycle items from your red bin and into the correct recycling streams.

Simple ways to send less to landfill:

Terracyle

Terracycle accepts an extensive range of “hard-to-recycle items” including razors, coffee pods, make-up and hair care packaging, and some soft plastics, for free. It’s as simple as packaging your items and downloading a prepaid shipping label, or attending identified drop off points.

Click here to learn more

Drop off for Free

Do you know that your local waste transfer station accepts a whole range of recyclable items at no charge? Paint tins, scrap metal, whitegoods and more.

Visit our Drop Off for Free page for full details

Simply Cups

Forgot your keep cup and had to take a disposable? These cups don’t belong in your yellow bin, but they can be recycled at a Simply Cups collection point - we currently have two collection points in Port Macquarie.

Find your closest Simply Cups location

Batteries

Batteries don’t belong in any bin! Luckily we have many convenient drop-off points in our LGA for you to drop off your batteries for safe recycling.

Find your closest drop-off location here

Hastings Enviro

Hastings Enviro are a satellite club of Port Macquarie Sunrise Rotary. They run a Recycling Hub at the Foreshore Markets on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Collecting an extensive range of items they are a one stop shop for many of your recycling needs.

Click here for a full list of items

Willing and Able

Willing and Able accept a wide range of clothing, linen and manchester, bric a brac, craft and sewing supplies, computer and electrical goods, sporting and outdoor equipment, home renovation supplies and gardening equipment.

Find the full list here

Mobile Muster

Mobile Muster accept all brands of mobile phones, phone chargers and accessories, as well as smart speakers and smart watches to be recycled responsibly.

Find your closest Mobile Muster location

Return and Earn

Return and Earn offer a convenient solution to recycle a range of glass and plastic bottles, aluminium cans and poppers (juice boxes). And even better - you earn money for using the service!

Find your closest Return and Earn location

Blister packs

Pharmacycle has come to the Port Macquarie Hastings region! Currently there are free blister pack recycling points at the three Chemist Warehouse locations, as well as a paid Recycle at Home program.

Find out more information here

Repair, Reuse and Recycle

Our community is full of creative ways to reduce waste!

Join us at The Repair Fair on 16th November 2025, 10am – 1pm at the Port Macquarie Library to meet repair specialists, shop reuse markets and learn more about how to reduce what you’re sending to landfill.

We’ll have demonstrations and hands-on workshops running throughout the day, as well live music and local food and coffee vendors. See reuse in action with our Mug Library operating to reduce waste produced by the event.

Even if you can’t make it on the day, you can still explore local Repair and Reuse businesses in our online directories.

If you spot clever recycling or reuse ideas around town, we’d love to hear about them! Share them with us at education@pmhc.nsw.gov.au. Your suggestion might inspire others in our next newsletter!

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