Where to drop off recycling in Sydney: a full guide
By Lottie Dalziel
Sydney is spoiled for drop-off options compared with most Australian cities. Which is nice, except it also means picking the right one takes some know-how.
This is the up-to-date 2026 guide to where each category of hard-to-recycle stuff actually goes in Sydney. Written with a bias toward walking distance from public transport, because that's how most of our customers shop.
Banish Sustainability Hub (Central Station / Haymarket)
@banish.au Come see where the magic happens next time you’re at Central Station 😘 #sydney #recycledplastic #sustainableliving #zerowaste #thingstodoinsydney ♬ sonido original - DenesGaCo
Our physical hub is near Central Station in Haymarket, and you can drop off BRAD boxes in person rather than posting them. We also stock the full Banish range and run in-person workshops.
Best for: BRAD box drop-offs, exploring the Banish product range in person, beauty packaging, coffee pods, batteries, cables, toothbrushes, blister packs, cosmetics and the full 70+ BRAD categories.
Check the hub's current hours on our website.
E-waste: Officeworks, TechCollect, council
Every Sydney Officeworks has a small e-waste drop-off bin that takes cables, chargers, printer cartridges and batteries.
TechCollect has a Sydney site for larger computer items like desktops, laptops and peripherals.
For TVs, microwaves and large appliances, use your council's e-waste pickup or transfer station drop-off.
Soft plastics: supermarket trial and BRAD
Select Sydney Coles, Woolworths and ALDI stores are part of the Soft Plastics Taskforce trial. Check out Soft Plastics Taskforce for the live list of participating stores.
If your local store isn't on the list, or you want to combine soft plastics with other recycling, drop them into a BRAD box at our hub.
Beauty packaging, cosmetics and personal care
Most major beauty chains in Sydney (Mecca, Sephora, some Priceline stores) have partnered with brand take-back programs. These typically accept their own products only.
For a mix of brands, BRAD is the cleaner option. Either post a box or drop one off at our hub.
Phones and mobile accessories: MobileMuster
Every Telstra, Optus and Vodafone store in Sydney accepts MobileMuster drops, plus most Officeworks and many Australia Post outlets. Bring the phone, the charger, the headphones, whatever you've got. Free.
Batteries: B-cycle
B-cycle drop-off bins are at every major Sydney Bunnings, Woolworths, ALDI and many council libraries. Look for the yellow bin with the B-cycle logo. Accepts all common household battery types.
BRAD also accepts batteries, which then go to B-cycle on your behalf.
Bulky and hazardous waste: your council
Every Sydney council runs a version of bulky waste collection, e-waste collection and hazardous waste drop-off. Coverage and frequency varies, so check your council's website.
- City of Sydney: regular bulky waste bookings, free chemical cleanouts
- Inner West: quarterly chemical drop-off events
- Northern Beaches: permanent e-waste and battery centre at Kimbriki
- Other councils: check Nextcycle or your council's A-Z waste guide
Textiles and clothes
H&M stores in Sydney accept clothing take-back. Upparel runs a paid textile collection with Sydney pickup. Your local Salvos, Vinnies or Lifeline takes wearable items (please only donate clothes in actual re-wearable condition).
For clothes that are beyond wearable, BRAD doesn't take them yet, but Upparel does.
Printer cartridges and ink
Every Officeworks in Sydney has Cartridges 4 Planet Ark drop-off bins. Accepts all major brands free.
Coffee cups and pods
BRAD takes both. A handful of Sydney cafes run Simply Cups collection. Nespresso boutiques (Sydney CBD, Bondi Junction, Chatswood, Parramatta) accept Nespresso-brand pods.
What Sydney doesn't do well yet
A few categories where coverage is still patchy:
- Vapes: use B-cycle drop-offs at pharmacies rather than council
- Polystyrene/foam: limited, try Sims Metal at Botany or BRAD
- Paint: hazardous waste days only
- Mattresses: Soft Landing pickup or Bunnings take-back
Frequently asked questions
Is the Banish hub walk-in?
Yes. Come during our published opening hours, no appointment needed.
Is the hub near Central Station?
Yes. Easy walk from Central or Railway Square. Check our website for the exact address.
Do I need to pay to drop things off?
BRAD box drop-offs cost the same as mail-in. Most other programs (MobileMuster, B-cycle, Officeworks e-waste, supermarket soft plastics) are free.
Can I bring soft plastics to the Banish hub?
Yes, as part of a BRAD box. We don't run a standalone free soft plastic bin.
Where do Sydney councils send e-waste?
Council collections are mostly processed by TES-AMM or Sims Metal. The metals and plastics are separated and sent to smelters and reprocessors.