Recycle Mate Cairns
Ever wondered what belongs in what bin?
With Recycle Mate, Cairns residents can easily search over 5,000 everyday items to determine the proper way to dispose of them. Use our local sorting guide below to see what belongs in your yellow-lid bin and find convenient drop-off locations for items that can be taken to Council Waste Transfer Stations, product stewardship programs, and charities. Let's work together to keep Cairns clean and green by Recycling Right.
Explore the online tool below to get started and make recycling simple, you can also download the free Recycle Mate App for IOS and Android devices.
Want to find out more? Try our Recycle Right Chat Bot.
Got more questions or need specific information? If you're still unsure, just ask - whether in English or another language! Whether you're curious about what happens to waste and recycling after collection or why we don't want plastic bags in recycling bins our new Chatbot can help you find the answers you need 24 hours a day 7 days.
Recycle Mate Frequently Asked Questions
Simply enter the name of an item to see the best disposal method, suggestions will then appear underneath the search window.
- Use common terms like ‘soft drink can’ or brand names in the search bar.
- Start typing and utilize the drop-down menu to find your item.
On the go and don't have time to use our website? Don't forget there's a free Recycle Mate IOS/Android app for added convenience!
Downloading the Recycle Mate app is simple and quick. Follow these steps to get started:
For Android Devices:
- Open the Google Play Store on your Android device
- Search for "Recycle Mate" in the search bar.
- Select the Recycle Mate app from the list of results.
- Tap "Install" and wait for the app to download and install on your device.
- Open the app and start using it to manage your recycling.
For iOS Devices:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Search for "Recycle Mate" in the search bar.
- Find the Recycle Mate app in the search results.
- Tap "Get" and then confirm by tapping "Install" Wait for the app to download and install on your device.
- Launch the app and begin sorting your recycling efficiently.
With the Recycle Mate app, you’ll have easy access to a comprehensive recycling guide right at your fingertips!
Download the Android Recycle Mate version or Download the iOS Recycle Mate version
For more assistance on using the Recycle Mate app please visit the 'about recycle mate' page on their website.
If Recycle Mate hasn't provided advice on a specific item you can always let the support team know, this will help other users of the system. Simply send an email with information about the missing item, or extra information required to help@recyclemate.com.au and the Recycle Mate team will respond.
For any enquiries regarding Cairns Regional Council's kerbside waste and recycling services, please contact the Council's Customer Service Centre at 1300 69 22 47.
Recycle Mate is a project developed by the Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR) with financial support from the Australian Government's Environment Restoration Fund and the NSW Government's Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Waste Less Recycle More initiative. Adaptation Environmental Support is the partner responsible for program delivery.
The collaboration with Recycle Mate for Queensland Local Governments was facilitated by the support of the Queensland Government.
If you are a local organization or business with a registered recycling scheme or community drop-off location and want to be part of Recycle Mate, email help@recyclemate.com.au.
Last Updated: 20 March 2025
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