The annual audit of yellow-lid recycling bins has shown an increase in contamination with well-meaning residents mistakenly placing items they believe to be recyclable out for kerbside collection in the hope they will be reused.
Known as 'wish-cycling', the practice has contributed to a 3% increase in metal, 1.8% increase in plastics, and 0.25% increase in 'other' contaminants, with fabrics the highest contributor to the category.
Add in recyclables incorrectly disposed of in plastic bags, the total 2021 contaminant rate is a 3.7% increase over the previous year.
Acting Mayor Terry James said while the numbers may appear minor, when applied across the 65,000 kerbside bins in the city, 'wish-cycling' totalled 1389 tonne of material ending up in landfill.
"While on the one hand I want to congratulate residents for wanting to do the right thing, we need to address the 'wish-cycling' rate to keep items out of landfill," Cr James said.
"Most 'wish-cycling' items can indeed be recycled with a little effort. For instance, clothes and linen can be donated to local op shops, soft plastics can be placed in collection bins at most supermarkets, and pots, pans and appliances can be dropped off at Council transfer stations for free."
Council has conducted the audit of 309 kerbside bins across nine suburbs each November for a decade.
A full list of recyclables and corresponding disposal options can be found on Council's website.
