Waste segregation is important to minimize environmental problems and protect places we live. A 4-bin system separates waste into red bins for general waste, yellow bins for recyclables, green bins for compostables, and blue bins for soft plastics. Sorting waste properly and educating others on correct separation are effective ways for individuals to make an impact. Proper waste management has positive environmental effects and makes disposing of trash easy.

1. Why waste segregation is
important

2. Do you struggle to comprehend how one individual can make an impact on the environment? It’s a myth
that one individual can do no damage. In fact, the power is with the individual and their choices. Waste
segregation is the easiest action you can take to do your bit for the environment. How does it all work?
This article will explore why we should sort waste at the source, how to do it and how we can encourage
those around us to do it too.

3. Identifying the Problem
Who remembers the days of the sole red waste bin? We’ve come a long way in understanding how we
can separate our waste, or bring new life to our environment. Without waste segregation, our waste
would compound and generate a larger problem for the environment, and the places we call home. To
minimise our waste problem, the 4-bin-system was introduced. This system applies both to the
average Joe, businesses and collection services. So, which bin does what? How do you use them
effectively?

4. RED BIN
The red waste bin is your standard household, workplace bin for general waste. But the red bin is not
for everything. Here is what you can put in the red bin.
● Food waste
● Animal waste
● Hygiene projects, sanitary items and nappies
● Ceramics
● Shredded paper (must be bagged)
● Hard plastics
● Cardboard or plastics with food waste

5. RED BIN
Here is what CAN’T go in a red waste bin.
● Glass
● Hazard waste
● Building material (bricks and concrete)
● Green waste
● Tyres
● Batteries

6. YELLOW BIN
The yellow bin is for all your recyclable goods, and must NOT be used as a secondary red waste bin. Here
is what you can put in a yellow bin.
● Glass jars
● Magazines and newspaper
● Crockery
● Aluminum cans
● Paper products
● Milk cartons (clean)
● Tins (clean)
● Plastic containers

7. YELLOW BIN
Here is what you CAN’T put in a yellow bin.
● Polystyrene
● Plastic bags
● Soft plastics
● Plastic bottle lids
● Pizza boxes
● Light bulbs
● Containers with food scraps
● Ceramics

8. GREEN BIN
The green bin is for your green and compostable waste. This is the bin with waste items that breed life
into our environment. Here’s what you can put in the green bin.
● Leaves
● Manure
● Food scraps (all)
● Garden trimmings
● Tea bags
● Paper
● Tissues
● Bamboo crockery
● Bones

9. GREEN BIN
Here’s what you CAN’T put in the green bin.
● Soil
● Non-biodegradable plastic bags
● Plant pots
● Nappies

10. BLUE BIN
The blue bin is the newest bin, and can sometimes be identified under a different colour. However,
most commonly, the blue bin homes soft plastics. Here’s what you can put in the blue bin.
● Plastic bags
● Bubble wrap
● Vegetable and fruit plastic wrapping
● Toilet paper wrapping
● General plastic wrapping on food (pasta, bread and rice bags)

11. BLUE BIN
Here’s what you can’t put in the blue bin.
● Hard plastics
● Cardboard

12. BLUE BIN
Here’s what you can’t put in the blue bin.
● Hard plastics
● Cardboard

13. Be a Leader
Our actions have consequences, as much as they can evoke change. While it can be discouraging to
see others doing the wrong thing, with education comes power to share and teach others. Here are our
tips for the workplace, and home.

14. Workplace
● Provide a 4-bin-system, with educational signs above each indicating what is, and isn’t allowed
in the bin.
● Workplace waste training.
● Designate a team leader to manage the bins, and be a spokesperson for the system.
● Utilise skip bins, like Bonza Bins, for workplace heavy waste.

15. Home
● Set up a 4-bin system inside of your home, with information signs where necessary.
● Request a green bin from your council for compost, and green waste.
● For large items i.e., furniture and electronics, consider buy-for-nothing pages on social media to
give your items a second life.
● Coordinate with skip bin service, like Bonza Bins, for household heavy waste.

16. Conclusion
In conclusion, waste segregation starts with the individual and can have positive knock-on effects
with others when handled correctly. An effective waste management system has the power to
demystify the process, and makes waste management easy!
If you are looking to implement a proper waste segregation system, or dispose of heavy waste contact
our Bonza Bins team. Bonza Bins provides the most affordable skip bin service in Fremantle.