How To Put Out Your Rubbish For Collection
Putting your rubbish out the right way means less waste in landfill and more recycling. It’s a simple way to help the planet and keep your street tidy. In fact, Auckland Council’s 2024 rollout of food scrap bins is expected to reduce kerbside rubbish from a 2022 baseline of 141kg, to 120kg per capita by 2028.
If you live in Auckland, here’s what you need to know:
What to put in your Auckland general rubbish bin
Your Auckland general rubbish bin is for everyday waste that can’t be recycled or composted. Here’s what you can and can’t put in it:
- Glad wrap
- Tin foil
- Single-use cups, plates and cutlery
- Polystyrene
- Nappies and sanitary products
- Broken glass (must be wrapped in paper to prevent injury during transit)
- Plastic that can’t be recycled (more on that shortly)
- Noxious weeds (note: specific disposal methods apply for garden pests)
Here’s what you definitely don’t want to put in your general rubbish bin:
- Hot ashes
- Garden waste
- Medical waste (except Rapid Antigen Tests, which are okay to put in general rubbish)
- Building materials
- Large household items
- Chemicals and hazardous items (Pink Bins offers specialised disposal options for this type of waste)
- Recyclable items such as cans, glass, plastic bottles, paper, and cardboard
What to put in your Auckland recycling bin
Recycling right keeps valuable materials out of landfills and gives them a second life. Here’s what you can put in your Auckland recycling bin:
Recycling rules are now standardised across New Zealand. Follow the updated guidelines for your Auckland bin, and remember that council recycling is collected once a fortnight. This is what you need to put in your recycling bin going forward:
- Glass bottles and glass jars (emptied and cleaned thoroughly with the lids removed and placed in your rubbish bin)
- Tin, steel and aluminium cans (emptied and cleaned thoroughly)
- Plastic bottles with the numbers 1, 2 and 5 from your kitchen, bathroom and laundry (emptied and cleaned thoroughly with the lids removed and placed in your rubbish bin)
- Plastic food containers with the numbers 1, 2 and 5
- Newspapers, magazines, and advertising mail
- Paper, cardboard, including empty pizza boxes, egg cartons and window envelopes
In general, containers in your recycling bin should be no larger than 4L, and all items must be larger than 5cm x 5cm. This is why small lids must be placed in the general rubbish. Remember to remove anything from cardboard boxes before you toss them out, but don’t worry about taking tape or labels off.
Note for Great Barrier Island residents: you’ll need to flatten and securely bundle or bag your paper and cardboard items and place them next to your crate for collection.
What to put in your Auckland food scraps bin
Green waste and food scraps in landfills produce methane and CO2, which are harmful greenhouse gases. Disposing of your organic waste correctly is crucial for environmental care.
Auckland now has a 23-litre food scraps bin to keep organics out of landfill. Here’s what goes in:
- Fruit and veggie scraps
- Bread, pasta, and rice
- Eggshells and coffee grounds
Don’t put meat, bones, or garden waste in your food scraps bin.
For more on food scraps bins and council rubbish collection, visit the Auckland City Council website. For tips on green waste, check out our blog post on how to handle your green waste or browse our blog.
When your rubbish collection is missed or delayed in Auckland
If your bin wasn’t emptied, check that it wasn’t overfilled or that it didn’t have any wrong items. Public holidays can change collection days, so check the council’s website for updates. A trial found that fortnightly collections suit the capacity requirements of most households in Auckland. If your rubbish is piling up, contact us for a fast and effective solution.
When your bins are overflowing, think Pink Bins
If you’ve got more rubbish than your council bin can handle, try these options:
We will pick up your Pink Bag or Bin and sort all recyclable materials at our facility.
For hazardous waste, use our Hazibags. They’re made for asbestos and other dangerous goods.
For any rubbish collection needs, contact us for a comprehensive solution.
Frequently asked questions about rubbish collection in Auckland
What items can I put in my Auckland Council rubbish bin?
Use your general rubbish bin for things like glad wrap, polystyrene, nappies, and non-recyclable plastics. Don’t put in hazardous materials, hot ashes, or building waste.
How do I get rid of large or bulky items in Auckland?
Book the council’s inorganic collection or use a Pink Bin for fast removal of big items like couches or fridges.
What should I do if my rubbish collection is missed in Auckland?
Check the council’s website for delays or holiday changes, then contact them if needed. If you require a more immediate solution, we can clear the backlog for you.
How much does it cost to dump rubbish in Auckland?
Council transfer stations charge fees based on the weight and type of rubbish. For example, annual bin fees range from $162.70 for an 80L bin to $324.96 for a 240L bin. With a Pink Bin or Pink Bag, the cost of disposal is all included in one simple price, saving you a trip to the dump.
What are my options if I have more rubbish than my council bin can take?
For a bit of extra waste, a Pink Bag is perfect. For bigger jobs like clear-outs or renovations, a Pink Bin is your best bet.