Us Kiwis care an awful lot about our environment. We’re proud of our 100% pure paradise, and rightly so! Which other countries can you see breathtaking beaches, towering mountains, dense rainforests, and thriving metropolises all in the same day? There’s probably not many.
It’s estimated that tourism, in the year finishing March 2022, contributed more than $26.5 billion of expenditure to our economy, and that was with the uncertainty of COVID and border restrictions! One of the reasons visitors love travelling our beautiful country so much is because it’s possible to get out and explore places where it feels like no one has ever been before. But that’s only possible if we are all conscious of our waste, and dispose of it responsibly.
Waste management can be confusing – we get it! Sometimes it’s hard to know what goes where and, just when you think you’ve cracked it, your workmate’s friend’s aunty’s boyfriend tells you something completely different, you end up doubting everything you thought you knew, and it feels like you’re back at square one.
Finding the best option to manage your waste when you’re on a budget can be especially tough, but we have a solution to all your waste management needs – low cost bins!
Low Cost Bins: Waste Management on a Budget
Even though there are low cost bins out there, and we have a Pink Bin to suit every budget, it’s even better for your piggy bank if you don’t have to shell out a single dollar, right? We get it, there’s no hard feelings!
Waste management on a budget can be tricky, but it is possible to effectively manage your waste while keeping costs low. We offer a range of services to suit your needs, including low cost bins and flexi bags, but we can’t talk about low cost waste management without first talking about ways to reduce and reuse what you may consider waste.
You’ve likely heard the phrase reduce, reuse, recycle, and this is an excellent mindset if you’re looking for ways to live more sustainably, while keeping our precious backyard looking mighty fine! But have you considered that reducing your waste, and reusing what you can, could also help to keep your waste management costs down?
Reduce
Starting at the source of your waste, get in the habit of asking yourself, is there anything you could reduce? It could be saying, “No, thank you.” To that disposable coffee cup in the morning, and bringing your favourite keep cup instead (*bonus points* because it gives you the perfect chance to express your love of Lord of the Rings in a way that doesn’t clash with your work getup), it could be taking your own container when you pop out for sushi at lunch, or opting for plastic-free options in the produce section when you do your weekly shop. Most places in New Zealand are pretty used to these kinds of requests, and some even offer incentives, such as a wee discount for bringing your own utensils when you grab takeaways on the way home from work.
Another way you may be able to reduce your waste is by composting! Composting is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, and do good for the planet, while also giving your garden some top-notch, natural fertiliser. Not to toot our own horn, but we have a few blogs on the subject, and, if you’d like to learn more, here’s a good place to start.
If composting isn’t your jam, we have low cost garden waste bins which might be a better fit for you.
Reuse
Now, let’s talk about reusing. First of all, why not head to Pinterest for upcycling inspiration? There could be a way to easily reuse your own waste and turn it into something you actually want! Got an old bookshelf taking up space and collecting dust? Maybe you could turn it into raised garden beds and grow your own produce?
Failing that, you know how they say that one (wo)man’s junk is another (wo)man’s treasure? It’s true! There’s probably someone out there who is looking for exactly what you’re trying to get rid of. Did you buy a tile cutter for that tiling job a few years ago, use it once, and now it takes up valuable space in your shed, right where you’d like to put the lawn mower? Why not sell it or gift it to someone who could use it?
Recycle
Recycling is one of the most effective ways to reduce waste and keep your costs low. Recycling paper, plastic, and metal can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, which can save you money on disposal costs.
You may also be able to recycle items like clothing, fabric, and appliances. Some second hand shops and charities even offer curbside collection services, making it easy and convenient for you!
Low cost bins
All that said, we know that reduce, reuse, recycle is not always the most practical. If you are dealing with large quantities of waste, or if you need to manage hazardous materials, it’ll probably be the best option to chat with us about our low cost Pink Bins and Pink Flexi Bags. You may even be eligible for WINZ assistance!
Waste management on a budget can be challenging, but it is possible to effectively manage waste, while keeping costs low, and education is crucial – sometimes people don’t even know what the options are to minimise the costs of their waste, or they haven’t had the chance to give it much thought, so why not tell your household/family/friend/colleagues how important reducing your waste is?
If you can help to redirect something destined to go to the landfill by declining single-use items, composting green waste, upcycling or gifting the things that no longer serve a purpose for you, and recycling anything left, that’s a massive win!
If you still need help disposing of your waste, ask us about our low cost bins here, and we’ll help you to keep New Zealand clean and green by finding the right waste bin option for you, without breaking the bank!