Last updated: July 2026
How you dispose of glass in Sydney depends on what you have. Intact glass bottles and jars go in your yellow recycling bin or back to a Return and Earn return point for a 10c refund. Broken glass cannot go in the yellow bin and must be safely wrapped before going into general waste. Mirrors, window panes, and shower screens are neither recyclable kerbside nor eligible for Return and Earn; they need a council bulk waste collection or a glass removal service.
Broken glass: how to dispose of it safely
Broken glass cannot go into your yellow recycling bin. Different glass types melt at different temperatures, and mixing broken glass with recyclable bottles and jars causes problems at the sorting facility. It goes in your red lid general waste bin, but only if it is wrapped correctly.
Steps:
- Put on thick gloves before handling any pieces.
- Pick up large shards with tongs or folded cardboard and place them in a thick layer of newspaper or a paper bag.
- Sweep smaller fragments and add them to the same bundle.
- Wrap the bundle tightly, tape it closed, and write "BROKEN GLASS" on the outside.
- Place the labelled package in a cardboard box for extra protection.
- Put the sealed box in your red lid general waste bin, not the yellow recycling bin.
Note: if you are disposing of a large glass item such as a shower screen, window pane, or glass tabletop, do not attempt to break it down at home. These items require a professional removal service or a council bulk waste booking. See the section on large glass items below.
What glass can and can't go in your yellow recycling bin
Not all glass is the same. Different types of glass are manufactured to melt at different temperatures, which means mixing them in a recycling bin causes problems at the sorting facility.
Yellow bin YES:
- Clear, brown, and green glass bottles and jars
- Wine bottles (rinse before putting in)
- Beer bottles
- Sauce jars, jam jars, and condiment bottles with lids removed
Yellow bin NO:
- Drinking glasses (different glass composition from bottles)
- Mirrors
- Window glass
- Lightbulbs (many hardware stores run drop-off recycling for these)
- Pyrex and oven-proof containers
- Broken glass of any type
Glass is worth recycling: using recycled glass reduces energy consumption by up to 75% compared with producing new glass from raw materials, according to Cleanaway. It is also 100% recyclable and does not degrade over multiple uses.
Glass recycling in numbers
- Recycled glass cuts energy use by up to 75% versus making new glass from raw materials (Cleanaway)
- Glass is 100% recyclable and does not lose quality when remelted (Cleanaway)
- The Return and Earn scheme has recovered over 1.3 million tonnes of material across NSW since launch (Return and Earn, 2026)
- Drink container litter in NSW has fallen 65% since Return and Earn began (Return and Earn, 2026)
Return and Earn: getting 10c back on eligible glass bottles
NSW runs a container deposit scheme called Return and Earn. For eligible containers, you receive a 10c refund per item. The scheme has 665 return points across NSW and has helped cut drink container litter by 65% since it started.
Eligible glass containers (must be 150mL to 3L):
- Water bottles
- Beer bottles
- Soft drink bottles
- Pre-mixed spirit bottles
- Juice bottles
- Kombucha bottles
Not eligible for Return and Earn:
- Wine bottles
- Spirit bottles (over 1L)
- Plain milk bottles
- Cordial bottles
- Any container under 150mL or over 3L
Containers must be uncrushed, unbroken, and empty to be accepted at a return point. Broken glass bottles cannot be returned for a refund.
You can find your nearest return point at returnandearn.org.au/map, or use the Return and Earn app to check whether a specific container is eligible before you go.
Large glass items: windows, mirrors, and shower screens
Windows, mirrors, and shower screens cannot go in your yellow bin or red bin for standard kerbside collection. Window glass and mirrors require separate processing from bottle glass.
Your options in Sydney:
- Council bulk waste collection. Most Sydney councils offer a scheduled hard rubbish or bulk waste pickup that accepts large glass items. Contact your local council to book a collection or check their website for upcoming collection dates.
- Local tip drop-off. Most Sydney council resource recovery centres accept large glass items. Whether a fee applies varies by council; check your council's website or call the tip directly before visiting.
- Professional glass removal. For large quantities or urgent removal, a rubbish removal service will collect glass from your property, reducing the risk of injury from handling large panes yourself.
Need glass removed from your property? Paul's Rubbish Removal collects glass waste across Sydney, including broken glass, mirrors, shower screens, and window panes. Fully insured, over 15 years operating, 100% satisfaction guarantee. Book before 10am for same-day service. Call 0407 125 125 or get a free quote at paulsrubbish.com.au/services/glass-removal/
Frequently asked questions
Can broken glass go in the recycling bin?
No. Broken glass must not go in your yellow recycling bin. Different glass types melt at different temperatures, and mixing broken glass with recyclable containers causes processing problems at the sorting facility. Wrap broken glass in newspaper or paper, label the package "BROKEN GLASS," and place it in your red lid general waste bin.
What do I do with a broken mirror in Sydney?
Mirrors cannot go in the yellow recycling bin or the red general waste bin for standard kerbside pickup. Broken mirror glass is a safety hazard for collection crews. Contact your local Sydney council to book a bulk hard waste collection, or arrange collection through a rubbish removal service.
Which glass bottles can I return for 10c in NSW?
Most glass drink bottles between 150mL and 3 litres with the 10c refund mark are eligible at a Return and Earn return point. Wine bottles, spirit bottles, plain milk, and cordial are not eligible. The bottle must be intact (not broken or crushed).
Why can't drinking glasses go in the recycling bin?
Drinking glasses are made from a different type of glass than bottles and jars. Different glass types have different melting points, so mixing them in the recycling stream disrupts reprocessing. Drinking glasses go in general waste, or check whether your local council's tip accepts them.
