Is It True Australia Recycles Zero Aluminium? :Recycle - Don't Be A Waster!

In this episode we talk about a surprising fact.

In 2025 - Australia recycles virtually zero aluminium scrap.

Following the closure of the domestic car industry over the last 20 years - our ability to melt down scrap aluminium has ended. 

It seems all our scrap aluminium is shipped offshore to be recycled. This hurts our environment and our economy.

https://aluminium.org.au/sustainability-main/recycling/

Hey! Did WA Just Ban My Coffee Cup? :Recycle - Don't Be A Waster!

If there is one thing Aussie's love - it is their morning take away coffee - and anyone who messes with that could be in trouble!

WA has just banned non compostable coffee cups - and Waster agrees!

We discuss how sitting down and having an actual cup of coffee will be good for your health and help the environment

Should All Plastic Drinks Bottles Be Replaced With Aluminium?: Recycle - Don't Be A Waster!

In this episode we discuss whether plastic drinks bottles should all be replaced with aluminium.

Aluminium is common for drinks such as soft drinks and beer - but tends not to be used for water.

We discuss the list of problems with plastic such as microplastics, ocean pollution and increasing evidence of health problems.

Why A Startup Wants To Reduce Paper Receipts And Save The World: Recycle - Don't Be A Waster!

In this episode of our recycling podcast - we look at the environmental and potential health impacts of paper receipts - i.e. the type you receive as proof of purchase in any shop from supermarkets to other retailers.

We find out that the thermal paper used can not be recycled - and has major potential health benefits.

This is where an Aussie startup comes in with a solution

What Is A Nappy Tax In South Australia And Is It A Good Idea?: Recycle - Don't Be A Waster!

South Australia Nappy Tax - We have to assume that the government making their residents’ lives easier and more comfortable would be in their best interest. They have the purpose of serving their citizens by providing good and just governance, establishing beneficial laws, ensuring order and offering essential services. Of course, this includes making the best decisions in regards to waste management. However, one proposed rubbish disposal scheme dubbed the ‘nappy tax’ has been making news as of late which was met with a lot of controversy and criticism in South Australia. Let’s talk about it more below. 

Do you live in South Australia and have any babies or toddlers in your house? If so, then you should be aware that a new waste disposal proposal in South Australia dubbed the nappy tax is being studied and could potentially be implemented.

The Green Industries department of South Australia is examining the concept of a ‘pay-as-you-throw’ waste disposal system, aiming to reduce household council rates whilst implementing increased fees based on the weight of rubbish placed for collection.

Obviously, a lot of South Australians opposed the idea. None of them would give it a chance, and with good reason. Here are some of the residents’ comments as interviewed by:

“It doesn’t make sense, it is not equitable,” one man told 9News Adelaide on Wednesday.

Another resident said council services needed to be “balanced and fair”.

“And I think we pay a lot already for everything, for every other service,” she said.

Is There A Solution To Ghost Nets In The Ocean?: Recycle - Don't Be A Waster!

In this week's episode - we look at the major issue of ghost nets or ghost gear. This is when old fishing nets and similar equipment is left floating in the sea.

As you can imagine this creates big issues with pollution and impacts wildlife - such as turtles.

Did you know the Top End of Australia is one of the worst impacted regions for this problem globally.

We discuss some recent programs from the Australian Government seeking to combat this issue.

Leaf Recycling - What's That About Then?: Recycle - Don't Be A Waster!

In this episode we look at leaf recycling and whether it will become an important factor in boosting recycling.

A new startup called Releaf Paper - https://www.releaf-paper.com/ is focusing on manufacturing paper and paper packaging from tree leafs instead of needing to cut down trees.

Three Great New Recycling Options For Aussies: Recycle - Don't Be A Waster!

In this episode we discuss three great recycling options that are free or low cost. They will help households and businesses recycle niche items whilst avoiding long car journeys of high costs.

Terracycle free drop offs - https://help.au.terracycle.com/hc/en-au/articles/4406783519501-How-can-I-find-my-nearest-public-drop-off-point-

Recyclesmart - https://www.recyclesmart.com/

Mates On The Move - https://matesonthemove.org/services/

Do We Really Inhale A Credit Card Worth Of Plastic Every Week?: Recycle - Don't Be A Waster!

In this episode we look at a recent academic study that suggests the average human breathes in microplastics each week - equivalent to the weight of a credit card.

This is quite shocking and brings with it multiple health concerns covering fertility issues as well as general health concerns.

We also comment how it has implications for some of the plastic re use ideas we have discussed on this podcast such as using waste plastic for plastic roads.

Samsara Eco Has An Amazing Breakthrough For Fabric Recycling? Recycle: Don't Be A Waster!

In this episode we cover how an aussi startup called Samsara Eco is making massive innovation in clothes recycling.

By using an enzyme to break down polyester and nylon into its chemical building blocks - they can recycle huge voumes of synthetic fibers.

They aim to open a plant in the USA and also have signed an agreement with sports wear and active wear company Lululemon - to partner in clothes recycling.

A real good news story.