Rubbish and Recycling
When and how rubbish is collected from your home will depend on where you live, so talk to your neighbours or contact your local council for details.
Most councils provide rubbish bags that can be bought from supermarkets. These must be left on the footpath outside the home for collection on a specific day each week.
Recycling
An increasing number of councils are now operating a recycling bin system. Details of these will also be available from the local council. Most councils recycle No.1 and No.2 plastics, metal and glass.
Dealing with other rubbish
Most councils will not collect garden rubbish or large items. These should be taken to the local ‘tip’ – which is the New Zealand term for a council run refuse collection centre. There will usually be a fee for this service, although recyclable green waste is often exempt depending on the council.
E-waste
A new government funded collection system for televisions, mobile phones and other electronic goods has been announced in 2011 but the commencement date is yet to be advised.
However, community e-waste drop-off options do already exist in many regions – for which there is a small charge per item. You can find out more about this network at www.e-cycle.co.nz
Bulk waste
If you need to remove a lot of rubbish, you can hire a rubbish skip. Look under ‘Rubbish bin hire’ online or in the Yellow Pages phone directory.
Littering or Polluting
Littering or dumping rubbish is illegal and can result in heavy fines. If you live in a rural area, you are responsible for the disposal of your own rubbish – which does not mean digging a hole on your own land and burying it!
All land including private land is subject to resource restrictions, to ensure activities do not create hazards for other citizens and future generations. If you have material that you are unsure how to dispose of, call your local council.
