From 1 February 2024, the Ministry for the Environment requires all Councils across New Zealand to only collect plastics numbered 1, 2, and 5 in kerbside recycling bins (along with paper, cardboard, clean drink cans and food tins).

Glass is still collected separately in your green/blue crate.

These changes make it easier to recycle right, as most Kiwis can now recycle the same things from home.
You can check the plastic number at the bottom of the item. If there's no number or you can't read it, put it in the rubbish bin.

Lids (unless physically attached) cannot be recycled and go in the rubbish bin - they're difficult to sort being small and light. Dirty containers need to be rinsed before they're recycled.

Examples of what you can recycle

• Soft drink, juice, water, and milk bottles (usually made from plastics numbered 1)
• Bathroom and laundry product bottles (usually made from plastics numbered 2)
• Large yoghurt and ice cream tubs, margarine/butter tubs (usually made from plastics numbered 5)
• Some pharmaceutical, cosmetics, sauce, and refillable bottles (usually made from plastics numbered 5)
• Fruit punnets and meat trays (usually made from plastics numbered 1)
• Clean drink cans and food tins
• Paper and cardboard including pizza boxes (food scraps removed)

Examples of what you can't recycle

• Aerosols, pots, pans, and foil (and items you normally find in a garage or garden that contain chemicals)
• Tissues and paper towels (these usually have food scraps or cleaning chemical residue)
• Takeaway coffee cups, drink cartons, shiny gift wrap (these items can include other materials like plastic or metal)
• Soft plastics (any plastics that can be scrunched into a ball) - check out the Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme for a store locator to recycle these plastics
• Compostable packaging and containers
• Nappies and sanitary products
• Fabric and clothing

Can't find the item you're looking for? Pop it in the handy sorter tool below.