How recycling works at our Manukau plant
We set up our Manukau recycling plant to keep more waste out of landfill. When you hire a Pink Bin, your waste is sorted by our team, and all recyclables are sent to trusted recycling centres.
Recycling helps the environment by saving resources and reducing pollution. We work with partners like Reharvest Timber Products, who turn timber waste into woodchips for playgrounds and public spaces.
Simple rules for what you can put in a Pink Bin
Follow these simple rules when using a Pink Bin:
- Keep it loose, don’t bag your rubbish or recycling.
- Do not include hazardous materials. Use a Hazibag for asbestos or other dangerous materials.
- Keep out food waste, liquids, and soft plastics.
Cardboard & paper
Cardboard and paper are easy to recycle with us. We can’t take laminated or plastic-covered products, and greasy fast-food cartons are usually too contaminated to recycle.
Timber
We can recover any construction joinery, framing timber and plywood. Treated wood is okay, as is wood with nails and small bolts up to 8 mm in size. Unfortunately, we can’t recover MDF or Melteca-type material.
Plasterboard
We can recover any brand of plasterboard except for the older style that contains fibreglass.
Steel
We accept steel, even if it is slightly contaminated with plastic or other waste. Our shredding process removes this contamination, which is then sent to the landfill.
Non-ferrous metals
Metals such as aluminium, stainless steel, copper, wire, brass, and lead are vital for various industries, including electronics and technology. We process these metals to the highest possible standard for resale to the market.
Concrete
We can take clean loads of concrete without rebar and mesh.
Green waste
We accept tree trimmings, grass, and hedges. We can’t process branches over 300mm or plants like bamboo, flax, agapanthus, and succulents (palm/yuccas).
What you cannot recycle with Pink Bins
While we recycle as much as possible, certain items cannot be processed at our plant. Here’s a quick list of what to keep out of your Pink Bin:
- Laminated or plastic-covered paper and greasy food cartons
- MDF or Melteca-type materials
- Older plasterboard containing fibreglass
- Bamboo, flax, agapanthus, succulents, and large tree branches (over 300mm)
- Household plastics, glass bottles, and cans (these go in your kerbside bin)
- E-waste, batteries, and chemicals
Recovery on demand for bulk or tricky waste
Do you need to dispose of bulk quantities of a specific type of waste (clean plastic grades 1–7 and polystyrene, for example)? Get in touch with us, and we’ll explore the market for an outlet.
Ready to get your rubbish and recycling sorted?
Waste management can be straightforward. We provide solutions for projects of all sizes, from garage clear-outs to full-scale construction sites.
If you are unsure whether your waste can be recycled, please call us on 0800 746 524 for clarification. Ready to get started? Book your bin today.
Frequently asked questions about what you can recycle with Pink Bins
Can I put general rubbish and recyclables in the same Pink Bin?
Yes, you can put both in the same Pink Bin. We sort it all at our Manukau recycling plant, so you don’t need to separate anything.
What are 5 common things people think are recyclable but are not with Pink Bins?
Here are five items we can’t recycle in our bins:
- Soft plastics (plastic bags, food wrap)
- Household glass bottles and jars
- Polystyrene
- Clothing and textiles
- E-waste (old phones, computers)
Do I need to sort my recycling before it goes into a Pink Bin?
No sorting is required. Simply load your waste into the bin, and our team will handle the sorting process at our recycling facility.
Can Pink Bins recycle my household plastics, glass and drink cans?
No, these should go in your council’s kerbside recycling bin. Pink Bins is for construction and bulk waste, not household packaging.
What should I do with items Pink Bins cannot recycle, like electronics or chemicals?
Check your local council’s website for drop-off points for e-waste or hazardous items. They’ll have safe disposal options for these materials.