Why recycle paper and cardboard?
Recycling paper and cardboard saves trees and reduces waste going to landfills. When you recycle with Pink Bins, your paper and cardboard get a second life as new products. It’s a simple way to help the environment and keep Auckland cleaner.
Recycling also saves money. Landfill costs keep rising, so the more you recycle, the less you pay for waste disposal.
What paper and cardboard can you recycle with Pink Bins?
Most paper and cardboard can be recycled with Pink Bins. We accept the following paper and cardboard items:
- Cardboard boxes
- Office paper
- Newspapers and magazines
- Junk mail
Leave out anything with food, wax, or plastic, like greasy pizza boxes, coffee cups, or wax-coated fruit boxes. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to leave it out.
Simple rules for recycling paper and cardboard
To ensure your paper and cardboard can be recycled, please follow these simple rules:
- Keep it clean and dry, no food or soggy bits.
- Flatten your boxes to save space.
- There is no need to remove tape or staples, as our sorting process handles these items.
What happens to your paper and cardboard after we pick it up?
Once we collect your bin, it goes to our Manukau recycling plant. Our team sorts out the paper and cardboard, which we send to Full Circle Recycling. Most of it is recycled right here in New Zealand, but anything too contaminated is sent overseas for processing.
What happens to paper and cardboard at the mill?
At the mill, paper and cardboard are mixed with water in a big drum called a pulper. This creates a slurry, and screens remove things like plastic, glue, and rubber bands. The clean pulp is then washed, de-inked, and whitened before being made into new paper products.
High-quality pulp becomes office or fine paper. Lower-grade pulp is used for things like tissue paper.
How to get your paper and cardboard ready for Pink Bins
Place your paper and cardboard directly into your Pink Bin along with your other waste. There is no need for separate bins or trips to a depot, as we sort all materials at our Manukau recycling plant.
Ready to recycle paper and cardboard with Pink Bins?
If you have paper and cardboard to recycle, book a Pink Bin today. Our service includes sorting your waste, simplifying the recycling process for you.
Frequently asked questions about paper and cardboard recycling
Can cardboard and paper be recycled together?
Yes, you can place paper and cardboard in the same bin. Our team will sort the materials for you.
What types of paper and cardboard cannot be recycled?
Avoid putting these in the bin:
- Greasy pizza boxes
- Coffee cups
- Wax-coated fruit boxes
- Anything with food, grease, wax, or plastic coatings
Do I need to remove tape or staples from boxes?
No, tape and staples do not need to be removed. Please flatten the box before placing it in the bin.