Problem waste drop off events

Join us for Recycle it Saturdays

Recycle a range of household items for free at problem waste drop off events throughout the year. Problem wastes cannot be recycled through standard facilities and often require specific machines or processes to recycle them. Only certain materials are accepted at these events, so please have a look at the list of materials below.

The next Recycle it Saturday event is open to residents of Waverley Council, City of Sydney, and Woollahra Council and is scheduled for:

Other Recycle it Saturday events are scheduled for the year:

Things to know

  • Bring identification with proof of your address. You may be asked for this before we can accept your items. Recycle It Saturday is open to residents of City of Sydney, Waverley and Woollahra councils.
  • These events are contactless. To ensure the health and safety of our employees and communities, physical distancing measures will be in place. We’ll record your details for contact tracing. If you’re unwell, please stay home.
  • Separate your items. Before you arrive, group items into different bags, buckets or boxes. Pack these in your boot, backseat or trailer so that we can quickly and safely remove and sort them. Items that are not accepted will be left in your vehicle.
  • Stay in your vehicle. Our team will show you where to drive and we will unpack your vehicle for you to ensure everyone is staying safe.

What you can drop off

Please see below for a list of items that will be accepted at the drop-off event. Please click on each item for additional information

Textiles

We can accept clothing, linen and toys in resalable condition. All items must be clean and in good condition for second-hand sale. Only drop off items you would consider giving to a friend.

  • Yes: clothing, handbags, shoes, and hats
  • Yes: working, good quality toys.
  • No: carpets, rugs, pillows, fabric, underwear, socks, jewellery, broken or unclean toys.

E-waste

If your item has a plug, a power cord or a battery we can recycle it. Don’t forget to delete your data before dropping your device off. The recycling process doesn't include data wiping.

  • household appliances: vacuum cleaners, microwaves, toasters, mixers, blenders, kettles, heaters, coffee machines, irons, pedestal fans
  • entertainment and home office equipment: televisions, laptops, computers, computer accessories such as keyboards, printers, photocopiers, fax machines, scanners, servers, projectors, stereos, gaming consoles, DVD players, DVDs, CDs, VHS tapes and video recorders
  • phones: mobiles and landlines
  • cords, chargers and headphones
  • power tools: drills, circular saws, power boards, electric lawnmowers, electric trimmers, electric leaf blowers. No gas or petrol powered items
  • vapes and e-cigarettes: make sure they're empty of any liquid
  • batteries (no car batteries).

Please note that white goods such as fridges are not included.

Packing tip: Bring old electronics in a box where possible

Batteries

Batteries include all household batteries used to power items like remote controls. Car batteries are not accepted.

Mobile phones

Mobile and landline phones are accepted. Before recycling your phone, please remember to delete your data. It’s your responsibility to wipe the data from your devices. Before recycling, consider donating to The Reconnect Project.

X-ray, CT and MRI scans

Take X-ray, MRI and CT scans/film out of envelopes. Envelopes and paper scans and envelopes can go in your blue lid recycling bin at home.

Soft plastics

Soft plastics include things like plastic bags and film, bread bags, chocolate and chips wrappers, bubble wrap, frozen food bags, and green supermarket bags.

Packing tip: Scrunch your soft plastic and tie them up in a plastic bag so they don’t fly away on the day

No foam wrapping, plastic strapping or food residue.

Bulky cardboard

Flatten large, bulky or excess cardboard, unless you're using it to pack other items for recycling.

Polystyrene

We can accept clean Polystyrene/styrofoam. Remove all tape and glue and bring smaller pieces in a box or bag.

  • Yes: polystyrene from furniture or delivery packaging
  • Yes: food containers, or food grade polystyrene, provided they’re clean.
  • No: polystyrene peanuts, bean bag filling or foam wrap.

Globes

You can bring all types of household light globes (halogen, LED, incandescent) and fluorescent tubes. Please take care in handling the bulbs as we can’t accept broken bulbs or tubes.

Household gas cylinders

Household gas cylinders are accepted, including nitrogen, SodaStream and LPG bottles.

Quick links

Need more information?

For any queries, please check back on this page for more details closer to the event date or email environment@waverley.nsw.gov.au to sign up to our e-news.