Your waste and recycling guide

Best option for disposal:

Place in your yellow lid recycling bin. Make sure can is empty first. 

Otherwise:

Aerosol cans that still contain product can be recycled through free Detox Your Home events, which are expected to be offered by the Department of Energy, Environment & Climate Action (DEECA).   

To get advance warning of the next local event, subscribe to the Rethink Your Rubbish e-news. 

Best option for disposal:

Air conditioners are classified as metal. As of 1 July 2026, a processing fee applies for all air conditioners, fridges and freezers received at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre.

The interim Geelong Resource Recovery Centre is currently unable to accept these items.  

Otherwise:

Air conditioners are one of the household waste items residents may be able to have picked up from their property.

For more details on booking and what items can be included visit the hard waste page. 

Best option for disposal:

Best option for disposal:

Barbeques that are mostly made of metal can be dropped off for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre.

Otherwise:

Barbeques are one of the household waste items residents are able to have picked up from their property.

For more details on booking and what items can be included visit the hard waste page. 

If your barbeque still has gas or fuel, find out how to safely disposal of hazardous waste.

Best option for disposal:

Drop off barbecue gas bottles (up to 9kg) for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre or at the interim Geelong Resource Recovery Centre.

Do not place BBQ gas bottles in your kerbside wheelie bins, even if the bottles are empty. 

Otherwise:

Contact the retailer who you purchased your BBQ bottle from. Most brands will take back empty or damaged bottles. 

Elgas provide a gas bottle refill exchange. View their website to find the nearest gas bottle swap near you.

Best option for disposal:

Can be dropped off for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre.

Otherwise:

Local community groups such as neighbourhood houses and sheds often have bicycle repair programs. Even if your bike is beyond repair, they may appreciate the parts. 

Best option for disposal:

Otherwise:

Best option for disposal:

Biscuit tins can be placed into your yellow lid recycling bin.

Biscuit tins and other scrap metal can be dropped off free of charge at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre.

Otherwise:

Alternatively, drop off at Sims Metal: 266 Thompson Road, North Geelong.

Best option for disposal:

Broken: Drop off for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre or at the interim Geelong Resource Recovery Centre.

Blenders, including stick blenders, are e-waste. In Victoria it is against the law to place e-waste in kerbside collection bins.

Otherwise:

Working: If the blender is still in good condition, contact your local op shop and ask whether they will accept it or try selling it through an online marketplace. 

Best option for disposal:

Blinds can be taken to Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre for disposal, fees apply.

Otherwise:

Blinds are one of the household waste items residents may be able to have picked up from their property. Maximum width is 1.5m.

For more details on booking and what items can be included visit the hard waste page. 

Best option for disposal:

Place in your red lid rubbish bin.

While ties contain metal, they are too small to be sorted properly in your kerbside recycling and may jam the machinery. 

Otherwise:

Best option for disposal:

Bread Makers are classified as e-waste and can be dropped off for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre or at the interim Geelong Resource Recovery Centre.

It is against the law in Victoria to put e-waste in your kerbside bin. 

Best option for disposal:

CD players are classified as e-waste and can be dropped off for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre or at the interim Geelong Resource Recovery Centre.

It is against the law in Victoria to put e-waste in your kerbside bin. 

Otherwise:

Best option for disposal:

Chicken wire can be dropped off for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre.

Best option for disposal:

Metal clothes horses can be disposed of free of charge at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre as scrap metal. 

Otherwise:

If you are unable to dispose of your clothes horse using the above instructions, you may be able to dispose of them via the twice-yearly hard waste collection service. 

Alternatively, drop off at Sims Metal: 266 Thompson Road, North Geelong.

Best option for disposal:

Damaged or poor quality: place in your red lid rubbish bin.

Do not place in your recycling bin, they cause jamming issues at recycling facilities.

Otherwise:

Best option for disposal:

Broken: Coffee machines are classified as e-waste and can be dropped off for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre or the interim Geelong Resource Recovery Centre.

It is against the law in Victoria to put e-waste in your kerbside bin. 

Otherwise:

Working: If the machine is still in good condition, contact your local op shop and ask whether they will accept it or try selling it through an online marketplace. 

Best option for disposal:

Place empty deodorant cans in your yellow lid recycling bin.

Best option for disposal:

Place the empty can in your yellow lid recycling bin.

Otherwise:

Unopened cans of dog and cat food can be donated to Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS).

GAWS accept a wide range of pet related items; you can find out more here.  

Best option for disposal:

Broken: Electric fans are classified as e-waste and can be dropped off for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre or the interim Geelong Resource Recovery Centre.

It is against the law in Victoria to put e-waste in your kerbside bin. 

Otherwise:

Working: If the electric fan is still in good condition, contact your local op shop and ask whether they will accept it or try selling or giving it away through an online marketplace.

Best option for disposal:

Electric heaters are classified as e-waste and can be dropped off for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre or the interim Geelong Resource Recovery Centre.

It is against the law in Victoria to put e-waste in your kerbside bin. 

Best option for disposal:

Fencing wire can be dropped off for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre.

Best option for disposal:

Freezers are classified as metal. As of 1 July 2026, a processing fee applies for all freezers, air conditioners and fridges received at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre.

The interim Geelong Resource Recovery Centre is currently unable to accept these items.  

Otherwise:

Freezers are one of the household waste items residents may be able to have picked up from their property.

For more details on booking and what items can be included visit the hard waste page.

Best option for disposal:

Fridges are classified as metal. As of 1 July 2026, a processing fee applies for all fridges, air conditioners and freezers received at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre.

The interim Geelong Resource Recovery Centre is currently unable to accept these items. 

Otherwise:

Refrigerators are one of the household waste items residents may be able to have picked up from their property.

For more details on booking and what items can be included visit the hard waste page.

Best option for disposal:

Place into your red lid rubbish bin.

A frypan can be dropped off in the metal bin at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre. It doesn't matter if the handle is plastic.

Otherwise:

Alternatively, drop off at Sims Metal: 266 Thompson Road, North Geelong.

Best option for disposal:

Hairdryers are classified as e-waste and can be dropped off for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre or the interim Geelong Resource Recovery Centre.

It is against the law in Victoria to put e-waste in your kerbside bin. 

Best option for disposal:

Best option for disposal:

Hand food mixers are classified as e-waste and can be dropped off for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre or the interim Geelong Resource Recovery Centre.

It is against the law in Victoria to put e-waste in your kerbside bin. 

Best option for disposal:

Drop off for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre.

Otherwise:

Residents may be eligible to have bulky household waste items picked up from their property as part of their rates payment.

For more details on booking and what items can be included visit the hard waste page.

Best option for disposal:

Empty insect aerosol cans can be placed in your yellow lid recycling bin.

Best option for disposal:

Metal keys can be disposed of for free in the metal bin and electronic keys should be placed in the e-waste collection at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre. 

Best option for disposal:

Large household appliances like washing machines, clothes dryers and dishwashers can be dropped off for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre.

Fridges (Refrigerators), Air Conditioners and Freezers are classified as metal. As of 1 July 2026, a processing fee applies for all fridges, air conditioners and freezers received at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre.

The interim Geelong Resource Recovery Centre is currently unable to accept these items.  

*It is against the law in Victoria to put e-waste in your kerbside bin. 

Otherwise:

Residents may be eligible to have bulky household waste items picked up from their property as part of their rates payment.

For more details on booking and what items can be included visit the hard waste page.

Best option for disposal:

Lawn mowers can be dropped off for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre. 

It is against the law in Victoria to put e-waste in your kerbside bin. 

Best option for disposal:

Almost all light types cannot be placed in any kerbside wheelie bin.

Fluorescent, LED and incandescent globes can be taken to our Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre for a free drop off where they will be recycled.

Incandescent globes are the only exception. They should be wrapped in paper and placed in your red lid rubbish bin.

Otherwise:

Incandescent globes, LEDs and fluorescent tubes can be dropped off for free recycling at all IKEA stores. 

Best option for disposal:

Best option for disposal:

Otherwise:

Place in the metal bins at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre. 

Alternatively, you can drop off at Sims Metal: 266 Thompson Road North Geelong.

Best option for disposal:

Make sure the container is empty and place in your yellow lid recycling bin.

*If the tin/container has a lid (eg. a metal olive oil container) that is made of the same material as the body of the container, please leave the lid on to avoid oil residue contaminating other items in the bin.

Best option for disposal:

Place in your yellow lid recycling bin.

Separate from any jars and bottles first.

Best option for disposal:

Best option for disposal:

Place in your red lid rubbish bin. 

Metal pots and pans cannot go into the kerbside recycling bin.

Otherwise:

Drop off for free in the metal recycling bin at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre. It doesn't matter if handles are made from other materials.  

Alternatively, you can drop off at Sims Metal: 266 Thompson Road North Geelong.

Best option for disposal:

Drop off for free in the metal recycling bin at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre.

Otherwise:

Best option for disposal:

Best option for disposal:

These items cannot be placed in your kerbside bins, as they are too small to be picked up in the sorting process.

You can drop off smaller scrap metal items, free of charge at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre where they will be recycled.

Otherwise:

Best option for disposal:

Oil heaters are classified as e-waste and can be dropped off for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre. 

It is against the law in Victoria to put e-waste in your kerbside bin. 

Otherwise:

Residents may be eligible to have bulky household waste items picked up from their property as part of their rates payment.

For more details on booking and what items can be included visit the hard waste page.

Best option for disposal:

Metal outdoor furniture can be taken to the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre for free drop off.

Otherwise:

Residents may be eligible to have bulky household waste items picked up from their property as part of their rates payment.

For more details on booking and what items can be included visit the hard waste page.

Best option for disposal:

Ovens are classified as e-waste and can be dropped off for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre. 

It is against the law in Victoria to put e-waste in your kerbside bin. 

Otherwise:

Residents may be eligible to have bulky household waste items picked up from their property as part of their rates payment.

For more details on booking and what items can be included visit the hard waste page.

Best option for disposal:

Photographic film negatives can be recycled by dropping them off at the Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct at 137-149 Mercer Street, Geelong, during opening hours. They should be placed in the dedicated x-ray slot in the recycling station located in the foyer.

Otherwise, place in your red lid rubbish bin. 

Otherwise:

Best option for disposal:

Fridges are classified as metal. As of 1 July 2026, a processing fee applies for all fridges, air conditioners and freezers received at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre.

The interim Geelong Resource Recovery Centre is currently unable to accept these items.  

Otherwise:

Refrigerators are one of the household waste items residents may be able to have picked up from their property.

For more details on booking and what items can be included visit the hard waste page.

Best option for disposal:

Place in your red lid rubbish bin. 

Metal saucepans cannot be recycled in your kerbside recycling bin.

Saucepans can be placed into the metal recycling bin for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre.  

Otherwise:

Alternatively, drop off at Sims Metal: 266 Thompson Road, North Geelong.

Best option for disposal:

Drop off for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre. 

Alternatively, drop off at Sims Metal: 266 Thompson Road, North Geelong.

Otherwise:

Alternatively, many residents are now able to have bulky household items picked up from their property.

For more details on booking and what items can be included visit the hard waste page.

Best option for disposal:

Place in your yellow lid recycling bin.

Otherwise:

Steel cans can be dropped off at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre for free.

Best option for disposal:

Stoves are classified as e-waste and can be dropped off for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre.

It is against the law in Victoria to put e-waste in your kerbside bin. 

Otherwise:

Alternatively, many residents are now able to have unwanted bulky household items picked up from their property.

For more details on booking and what items can be included visit the hard waste page.

Best option for disposal:

Place in your red lid rubbish bin. 

Best option for disposal:

Power tools are classified as e-waste and can be dropped off for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre or the interim Geelong Resource Recovery Centre. 

It is against the law in Victoria to put e-waste in your kerbside bin.

Other tools that are made of mostly metal can be disposed of for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre in the metal recycling bin. 

Otherwise:

You may be able to have your tool repaired through the business you purchased it from, or a specialist repairer. 

Best option for disposal:

Metal tyre rims (without the rubber tyre) can be dropped off for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre.

Otherwise:

Small metal car parts are one of the household waste items residents may be eligible to have picked up from their property.

For size and weight details, how to book, and which other items can be included, visit the hard waste page. 

Best option for disposal:

Washing machines are classified as e-waste and can be dropped off for free at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre.

Otherwise:

Washing machines are one of the household waste items residents may be able to have picked up from their property.

For more details on booking and what items can be included visit the hard waste page.

Best option for disposal:

Small pieces of wire can be placed in your red lid rubbish bin.

Do not place wire in your recycling bin, it can jam the machinery. 

Otherwise:

Large pieces of wire can be taken to the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre.

Disposal fees may apply.

Best option for disposal:

Place in your red lid rubbish bin.

Do not place in your recycling bin, any type of coat hanger can jam the machinery.

Otherwise:

Dispose of for free in the metal bins at the Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre.

Alternatively, drop off at Sims Metal: 266 Thompson Road, North Geelong.

Best option for disposal:

Otherwise: