Recycle Smart Is the Sydney Company Picking Up Your Tricky Recyclables for Just $2

Recycling is tricky business. Distinguishing what can and can't be recycled can feel like deciphering the Da Vinci code and, even when you do figure it out, a lot of recyclable material can't actually go in the yellow bin.

According to a report by the Australian Government, only 9.4 percent of of the 3.4 million tonnes of plastic consumed in Australia from 2017–18 was recycled. But there's some good news: a new Sydney startup is here to help solve some of our recycling woes.

Recycle Smart is looking to make recycling efficient and easy through its new app. The idea is simple: app users can leave their tricky recyclables outside and request a pickup from one of the drivers, who will then ensure all items are recycled properly. And it's free to sign up.

Each bag of waste you have collected costs just $2, plus for each bag collected Recycle Smart will plant a tree, which means you're helping the planet in more ways than one.

The list of items Recycle Smart pics up is extensive, but it's broken down into four simple categories: soft plastics, e-waste, clothes and problem waste. Light bulbs, cling wrap, charger cords, phones, toasters, CDs, shoes and books are all items you leave to RecycleSmart to ensure they're disposed of in a sustainable way.

The service is currently available to over 700,000 Sydneysiders, including those in the Randwick, Mosman, Waverley and Sutherland Shire councils, the City of Sydney and the City of Canada Bay. When you sign up, you'll get a free Recycling Starter Kit, too.

Head to the Recycle Smart website to find out more information and sign up to see if the service is available in your area.

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