Community Recycling Initiatives
There are a whole range of community recycling programs that make it easy for you to drop-off certain items for recycling. Corks and eye glasses are two great examples listed below. Check out RecyclingNearYou.com.au to find other unusual products you can recycle, and drop-off locations for them.
Why not host your own collection for Corks, Eye Glasses or Mobile Phones as part of National Recycling Week? Visit this page to download labels for your collection boxes.
Cork Recycling
Wine and champagne corks are collected from various drop off points across Australia by community groups such as The Girl Guides, Friends of the Zoos, Green Collect in Melbourne and MND (Motor Neuron Disease) Victoria. These groups recycle the corks to raise funds for their initiatives and programs.
The corks are sent to manufacturers where they are recycled and used in products such as floor tiles, horse-float mats, boat decking, kindergarten flooring, and inners for hockey and cricket balls.
For more information about Cork recycling in your area visit RecyclingNearYou.com.au
Sight and Reading Glasses
Your unwanted reading, sight or sunglasses can help improve the eyesight of children and adults all around the world.
Collected glasses are distributed worldwide to communities in need. In some of these communities an eye exam can cost a month's wages, consequently poor eyesight often goes untreated, leading to further complications. The simple donation of unwanted glasses can make a huge difference to someone living in less fortunate circumstances.
The Lions Clubs International collect eyeglasses through their 'Recycle for Sight' program. Australians can donate their glasses, which are then given to people in developing countries.
Alternatively, drop off your unwanted reading glasses and sunglasses, either broken or intact to any OPSM, Laubman & Pank or Budget Eyewear stores across Australia. Your glasses are then distributed worldwide to charities helping developing communities through the Community I-care program.
For more information about sight and reading glasses recycling in your area visit RecyclingNearYou.com.au
Trade and Exchange
Recycling is much more than just putting items in a recycling bin for their process and eventual re-use. Lending, exchanging, selling and giving away items that are no longer useful to you is also an important part of recycling.
Check out our trade and exchange pages for a host of info of ideas on events, sharing services, finding reuse centres and more.
Find an Event
There are lots of community reuse and recycling events held around the country this National Recycling Week from Big Aussie Swap Parties to Tours to Op Shops and Recycling Facilities. Find an Event near you.
