So, you’ve decided to do your part for the planet and start recycling. Great choice! But with so many different rubbish bins and recycling rules to keep track of, it can be a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, Pink Bins is here to help! In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about choosing the perfect recycling bin and making sure you’re doing it right.
Auckland’s Latest Recycling Rules
First things first—if you haven’t heard about Auckland’s latest recycling rules, where have you been? Here’s the scoop: Auckland Council has revamped its recycling guidelines to ensure we’re all doing our bit to reduce landfill waste and up the ante on eco-friendliness. The goal? Less contamination and better recycling rates overall!
So, what’s new?
Only certain plastics: Auckland Council now only accepts plastics numbered 1, 2, and 5 in the kerbside recycling bins. That means your humble takeaway container or that plastic fruit punnet might not make the cut if it’s not the right kind of plastic.
No more soft plastics: That’s right! Soft plastics like bread bags, chip packets, or bubble wrap are no longer accepted in your recycling bin.
Glass must be clean and empty: Rinse out your jars and bottles, folks. No one wants their recycling bin smelling like last week’s pasta sauce.
Cardboard rules: Flatten those boxes to save space and ensure they’re dry.
How to Choose the Right Recycling Bin
So, what’s the secret to nailing the recycling process and making sure you’re doing right by the environment? It starts with choosing the perfect recycling bin for your needs! Here’s an easy guide to help you pick the right rubbish bin.
Identify What You Need to Recycle
Knowing what you need to recycle will help you choose the right rubbish bin for the job. Take a look around your home or business—do you find yourself drowning in cardboard, buried under bottles, or flooded with food scraps? Make a list of the types of materials you regularly need to dispose of, and categorise them according to the new recycling rules.
If your rubbish bin is mostly filled with items like cardboard, glass, or accepted plastics, you might just need a standard recycling bin. But if you’re dealing with more specific items like garden waste or construction debris, you’ll want to consider other types of bins or services.
Choose the Right Size Rubbish Bin
Now that you know what you’re dealing with, it’s time to figure out the size of your rubbish bin. You don’t want a bin that’s too small and overflowing or a bin that’s so big you’re practically living in it.
If you’re recycling a lot of household items like glass bottles and cardboard, a small to medium-sized bin should do the trick. For larger cleanouts or commercial needs, go bigger. Pink Bins offers a variety of bin sizes to suit every need, from smaller skips perfect for those decluttering sprees to larger bins designed for major renovation projects.
Be Mindful of What Can’t Be Recycled
Believe it or not, many of us are getting recycling wrong! Here are a few common recycling mistakes Aucklanders make:
Pizza boxes with grease stains: If your pizza box is greasy, it can’t be recycled. Instead, tear off the clean parts and recycle those. The rest, unfortunately, belongs in your rubbish bin.
Plastic bags in recycling bins: Plastic bags are not recyclable in your standard recycling bin. They often get caught in the machinery at recycling plants. Instead, take them to designated soft plastic recycling drop-offs.
Not rinsing containers: Rinsing out jars, cans, and bottles is a must! Leftover food can contaminate an entire batch of recyclables.
Shredded paper: It’s too small to be sorted correctly and often ends up in landfill. Instead, consider composting it or using it as mulch in the garden.
As you can see, not everything can go into your recycling bin. Items like broken mirrors, ceramics, polystyrene, nappies, or medical waste are a big no-no. Hazardous materials like asbestos, batteries, chemicals, or paint should be disposed of through special collection services. Don’t just toss these into your rubbish bin as doing so can harm the environment and pose a danger to recycling plant workers.
Bonus Recycling Tips
Schedule Regular Pickups to Avoid Overflow
Nobody wants a pile of rubbish that’s taller than Mount Eden in their front yard. One of the best ways to manage your waste effectively is to schedule regular bin pickups. Whether you’re clearing out your garage, tackling a garden project, or doing a big renovation, Pink Bins offers flexible hire periods to keep your rubbish bin situation under control.
Make Recycling Fun
Recycling doesn’t have to be a chore! Turn it into a fun family activity or a friendly competition with your flatmates or colleagues. Who can rinse the most bottles in a week? Who’s the master of flattening cardboard boxes? A little friendly rivalry can make even sorting your rubbish bin enjoyable.
Choosing the perfect recycling bin in Auckland is easier than you think. Start by understanding the new recycling rules, figuring out what you need to recycle, and avoiding common mistakes. With the right rubbish bin and a little bit of knowledge, you’ll be a recycling pro in no time.
Choose Pink Bins to Help You Get Recycling Right
When you choose Pink Bins, you’re making a choice that’s good for you, your community, and the environment. Our commitment to recycling means that as much of your rubbish as possible is diverted from the landfill and given a second life. So why wait? Grab a skip bin from Pink Bins today and start recycling the right way!