This page contains information about kerbside recycling, including what can and cannot be recycled.
Updated:
29/04/2013 11:26 a.m.
We actively support reducing the amount of rubbish that is sent to the landfill by providing a kerbside recycling collection to all households. Each household is entitled to one recycling bin.
We also encourage and support waste reduction practices and activities to lessen the impact of rubbish disposal on the environment.
Collection routes
Information on the collection days for your particular location can be found by following the links below.
Urban rubbish collection schedule [311kb]
Changes to collection days are made as necessary during the Christmas and Easter holiday breaks only. We advise of any changes in advance on this page and in the media.
How recycling works
If you live on a rubbish collection route, please place all items for recycling together at the kerbside before 7.30am on the day of collection.
If you don't live on a rubbish collection route, please take your rubbish bags and recycling to the nearest intersection with a collection route, or to your nearest transfer station.
Details about our transfer stations can be viewed by following the link below.
Rubbish Disposal
If you have more items for recycling than can fit into a standard recycling bin, please keep the excess until the next week’s collection or take it to a transfer station or Re:Sort.
We are unable to collect any extra items as the truck would fill before the end of the run and need to return to base to empty and then go out again. It would delay collection for the rest of the customers on that route.
There is no charge for recycling either at the gate or if you take your recyclable goods to a transfer station or the Re:Sort Centre.
Non-collection of bins
If your bin was not collected during the normal run, please contact us as soon as possible so our contractor can arrange for it to be emptied.
- if you contact us before 12 noon your recycling will be collected by 5pm the same day.
- if you contact us after 12 noon it will be collected by 5pm the next working day.
What's recyclable - what's not
Glass
- Yes: whole bottles and jars - with lids removed
- No: window glass, light bulbs, crystal, ceramics/pottery, drinking glasses, broken glass.
Paper and cardboard
- Yes: newspapers, magazines, junk mail, envelopes, flattened cardboard boxes, shoe boxes, cartons, old phone books - tie in a bundle or if more convenient place in plastic bag or cardboard box
- No: plastic coated paper and card - for example, cardboard milk and juice containers.
Plastic
- Yes: all plastics marked '1' or '2' (except containers of motor oil, please see below). Maximum size of 4 litres for all plastic containers. Plastic bottles need to be rinsed, squashed flat (if possible) with lids replaced.
- No: plastic bags. Plastic bottles that contained motor oil, even if they are marked with a '1' or '2', as the oil contaminates the plastic and is difficult to clean off. Plastic containers larger than 4 litres cannot be collected at kerb side as they take up to much space in the truck.
Metal
- Yes: aluminium drink cans, clean foil plates, steel food cans, empty aerosol containers. Please squash cans flat to reduce volume.
Household whiteware
- Yes: but not for kerb side collection
- Cookers, fridges, dishwashers etc. can be taken to the Re:Sort centre or any transfer station, except Parua Bay. There is a charge of $7 for fridges, freezers and LPG bottles as these items require de-gassing.
Follow the link below to view the Recycling Guide.
How recycled waste is reused
All the recycled waste collected is reused.
cardboard is sent to a mill in South Waikato for processing
paper goes to an Auckland mill to become newsprint etc.
glass is recycled in an Auckland plant which converts the old glass into new bottles
tin cans and all plastics go to Auckland where they are separated before being sent on for recycling. Tin cans to an Auckland company, plastics to a certified overseas company.
Recycling bin replacements
Your recycle bin belongs to your property. If you move house, please leave it behind for the next occupants. If your bin has been damaged, stolen or you have moved into a property where no bin has been left, you can pick up a new one at either of our Customer Service Centres.
If you are not able to visit in person, a friend or neighbour can pick one up for you. If your bin is damaged please bring it in when picking up the new one so we can recycle it.
Replacement bins are free of charge.
Second Hand Sunday
Second-Hand Sunday is a free community event where you have the chance to give away items at your gate that you no longer need.
It is held annually, usually around Labour Weekend. To take part in Second-Hand Sunday you will need to register with us before the event. All participating addresses will be advertised in the Whangarei Leader and on this website.
The registration form will be available on this website closer to the event.
e-Waste
A recycling service for old and unwanted electronic items such as computers, printers, television sets etc is provided by EcoSolutions in Bank Street, Whangarei.
It is a user-pay scheme and items are sent to Auckland for recycling.
For more information, contact EcoSolutions at +64 9 438 8710.
Contact us
Council offices - locations and hours of opening