New Zealand’s Recycling Week runs from 19-25 October and businesses, schools and communities across the country are being encouraged to take a closer look at what they’re throwing away.

When it comes to putting items in your kerbside recycling bin, Council’s Waste Minimisation Officer Maria Lamb says recycling right doesn’t need to be complicated.

“If you can remember just three letters, TLC, you’re most of the way there.  By keeping your recycling topless, loose and clean, this will help prevent your recycling bin being rejected on collection day.”

Topless means removing all lids and caps from bottles, jars and containers before they go into your recycling bin. Small lids can fall through or get tangled in sorting equipment at recycling plants, so they need to stay out of your recycling.

Loose means making sure items are loose and un-squashed in the recycling bin, and that cardboard boxes are flattened.

“Some people think they’re being helpful by putting empty bottles back into the box or paper bag they came in, but this creates extra work for staff in the recycling facility who need to separate everything before it can be processed.”

Clean means giving items a quick rinse before putting them in the yellow bin.

Placing dirty, unwashed items into your recycling bin can risk an entire truckload of recycling being sent to landfill. So, it’s important to keep your recycling free from food scraps and liquids.

“I like to leave some water in the sink after doing the dishes and let things like meat trays and jars soak for a few hours.”

Maria says Recycling Week is also a great time for workplaces to review their recycling habits and look for opportunities to do things differently.

“A year ago, I started collecting plastic bottle tops at the Council by setting up collection points in our staff kitchens. It's been great to see staff get behind the initiative, and so far we've diverted 22.5kg of plastic lids from landfill.

“Those lids are then processed and turned into new products like wheelie bins, flowerpots and underground cable covers.

“And remember, don’t be fooled by manufacturers’ messaging on packaging,” Maria says. “Simply follow the guidelines that the Council promotes and you’ll be fine.”

You can learn more about kerbside collection on our website and collect educational stickers and materials about kerbside recycling at any Council service centre or library.

If you have a community group or business that would be interested in learning more about recycling, please raise a service request with the Council or ring and ask for Maria Lamb from the Solid Waste Team.

The most common mistakes ending up in recycling bins:

• Soft plastics (e.g. bread bags, chip packets)
• Unwashed items
• Lids and tops (remember to keep items “topless”)
• Tetra Pak / liquid cartons
• Coffee cups
• Pot plant holders
• Textiles / clothing
• Rigid plastic items (e.g. toys, buckets, Sistema storage containers, coat hangers).