Recycling and rubbish collection

1. Kerbside collection address search
2. Tertiary area collection
3. Kerbside collection information
4. Risky items (ashes, gas bottles, lithium batteries etc.)
5. Recycling bin inspections
6. Kerbside collection videos
7. Green-lidded food scraps and garden waste bin
8. Yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin
9. Blue glass recycling bin
10. Red-lidded rubbish bin
11. Central Business District (CBD) rubbish collection
12. Optional additional 240-litre garden waste bin
13. A-Z disposal search
14. Kerbside recycling and rubbish guide and translations

Kerbside collection app

We recommend downloading the DCC Kerbside Collection App (via Google Play or the App Store), for all your kerbside collection information.

Your kerbside collection will be collected as usual on all public holidays except:

• Easter Friday - collection occurs the next day, on the Saturday of Easter.
• Christmas Day (if it falls on a week-day) - collection occurs on the following Saturday.
• New Year's Day (if it falls on a week-day) - collection occurs on the following Saturday.

Collection day calendars

Print your own copy of the kerbside collection calendar or collect a copy at one of our Customer Service centres or library or from the Book Bus or the Rummage shop at Green Island Landfill Resource Recovery Park.

Tertiary area collection

Tertiary area kerbside collection map

If you live in the tertiary area, every Tuesday the kerbside recycling and rubbish collection service will pick up your flat/household’s:

• green-lidded food scraps and garden waste bin
• yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin
• blue glass recycling bin
• red-lidded rubbish bin.

We pick up all bins every week in the tertiary area to help keep it tidy and safe as part of DCC's commitment to the Sophia Charter.

Tertiary area recycling hubs

The tertiary area has three neighbourhood recycling hubs. You can find these at the following locations:

• Castle Street by the Marsh study centre
• Corner of Forth Street and St David Street
• Great King Street near the School of Physiotherapy.

Kerbside collection information

Missed recycling and/or rubbish collections

If your recycling bin and/or rubbish bin hasn’t been collected by 7pm, it may have been:

• put out after 7am and missed the collection truck
• the wrong recycling bin out for that collection week. Please take it back onto your property and put back out on the correct day the following week
• in the wrong type of container. Must be DCC-branded, green-lidded food scraps and garden waste bin, yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin, blue glass recycling bin, or red-lidded rubbish bin
• your green-lidded food scraps and garden waste bin or your yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin has been inspected and found to have too many incorrect items and therefore has not been emptied
• the recycling bin or rubbish bin is too heavy or packed so tightly the contents do not come out.  The green-lidded food scraps and garden waste bin maximum weights are 12kg in the 25-litre bin; and 30kg in the 140-litre bin. Yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin maximum weights are 20kg in the 80-litre bin; and 60kg in the 240-litre bin. The blue glass recycling bin maximum weight is 12kg. The red-lidded rubbish bin maximum weight is 30kg in the 140-litre bin. The collection team may leave an orange tag on your bin.

Uncollected rubbish or recycling

If it’s after 7pm and your kerbside recycling and/or rubbish is uncollected and none of the above listed reasons apply, please report the missed collection via the online form. You must make contact by 5pm on the day after your scheduled collection. Please leave all items at the kerbside and contractors will collect them as soon as possible.

Kerbside bins for newly built properties

If you have a newly built property and are in an area that has kerbside collection you can request the delivery of kerbside bins to the address via the online form.

Collection clean up

The collection contractors are required to clean up as they go, so if your recycling bins or rubbish bin at kerbside has been knocked over or spilt, the contractor should clean up. Please report any mess left behind after collection via the online form.

Broken kerbside bins

If one of your bins is broken it may be a health and safety hazard for you and our collection team. You can request that someone visit your address to repair or replace your bin via the online form.

Bad weather can delay collection

Snow, flooding and frost may delay collections. Your recycling bin or rubbish bin will be collected as soon as the contractor is able to reach the area safely. In some cases, collection may be postponed to the following Saturday.

Assisted collection service

This service is available if you have a disability or medical condition that means you have difficulty in getting your recycling bin or rubbish bin to the kerbside. Collection contractors come on your property to collect your recycling bin or rubbish bin. To apply, please contact us on 03 477 4000 to arrange a visit from a DCC staff member to assess the help you require.

Medical waste assisted collection service

If a person/people in your household have a medical condition that mean you unavoidably produce more medical waste than will fit in a 140-litre red-lidded rubbish bin collected fortnightly, you can apply for this service. You can download the application form or contact us on 03 477 4000 to obtain an application form. Verification from a medical professional will be required.

Recycling bin inspections

Recycling bin inspectors check the contents of recycling bins put out for kerbside collection.

Most Dunedin people do a great job with their recycling. The recycling bin inspectors:

• thank you for great recycling
• provide feedback to help you improve your recycling and reduce contamination
• keep the staff who collect and sort recycling safe.

Recycling bin inspectors use informative bin tags to provide feedback. Sometimes they may put a letter in your mailbox.

What happens if recycling bin inspectors find too many incorrect items in your bin?

If a property’s recycling bin is inspected and found to have too many of the incorrect items in it, it may not be emptied.

The recycling bin inspectors will make follow-up checks, leaving letters with advice. If, by the third inspection, a property’s bin still has a high level of contamination, the recycling bin will be removed and the service will be suspended for three months. After that, the service will resume, but the householder will be required to pay a fee for handling and delivery of a new bin.

Green-lidded food scraps and garden waste bin

Tip
It is important to leave your kitchen benchtop bin in the kitchen - do not put it out for collection either in the food scraps bin or on its own.

What goes in your green-lidded food scraps and garden waste bin?

What can't go in your green-lidded food scraps and garden waste bin?

• Frequently asked questions (FAQs) - green-lidded food scraps and garden waste bin

  What will happen to the food scraps and garden waste once it’s collected?

  The content of the green-lidded bin will first be shredded at a Green Island landfill Organics Receivals Building. It will then be transported to Timaru to be composted at the Redruth. We will compost the food scraps and garden waste we collect, which will then be available for reuse.

  How do I keep my green-lidded bin clean and odour-free?

  Here are some suggestions:

  • Put out your green-lidded bin for collection every week, even if there is only a small amount of food scraps and/or garden waste in it.
  • Freeze your food scraps and put them in your green-lidded bin just before your weekly collection day.
  • Store your green-lidded bin in the shade.
  • Hose out your emptied green-lidded bin regularly.
  • Combat odours by rinsing your green-lidded bin out with salty water, or around a cup of 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water. Ask whānau/family, friends or neighbours to help if you can’t manage.
  • Place a layer of dry leaves or grass clippings at the bottom so the contents fall out easily when collected.
  • Never put tea bags or liquid food waste, e.g., juice or milk, in your green-lidded bin.

  Please, never put any paper, plastic or compostable products in the green-lidded bin, including bin liners.

  Why can’t I use bin liners in my green-lidded bin and my kitchen benchtop bin, i.e., plastic, compostable or paper liners?

  Plastic, compostable or paper bin liners contain chemicals that would contaminate the compost we’ll make by recycling your food scraps and garden waste. Please do not use them. Even if a bin liner says it is compostable, it is not suitable for the composting process we will use. Bin liners can contain chemicals, additives, inks, and dyes which may negatively impact our environment once they enter the soil.

  Will bin inspectors be checking green-lidded bin contents like they do with yellow-lidded and blue kerbside bins?

  Yes. After 1 July, bin inspectors will be checking all kerbside recycling bins. They will leave tags providing helpful advice.

  I compost at home; can I opt out of getting the green-lidded food scraps and garden waste bin?

  No, you can’t opt out. It’s great that you home compost. It is the best option for dealing with home food scraps and garden waste. But running a bespoke kerbside service would add greatly to its complexity and its rates cost.

  What difference does having the green-lidded food scraps and garden waste bin make?

  Before we introduced the green-lidded bins, around 30% of the rubbish collected from the over 52,000 Dunedin households on kerbside collection routes was food waste, which then went to landfill, producing the greenhouse gas, methane, as it decomposed. Having food and garden waste kerbside collection should greatly reduce that.

Yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin

What goes in your yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin?

What can’t go in your yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin?

• Frequently asked questions (FAQs) - yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin

  Should I flatten cans and plastic items?

  No, please don’t squash these. This increases the risk of these items getting mixed in with paper and cardboard recycling on the sorting machine.

  Can I put soft plastics in the yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin?

  No, please put soft plastics in your rubbish or take them to a soft plastics collection point at some supermarkets.

  Should I put my recycling in bags before putting into the yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin?

  Never put your recycling into bags Please keep it loose. The sorting machine can’t process your recycling if you bag it and it will be considered rubbish.

  What happens if too many incorrect items are in the in the yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin?

  If your bin has too many incorrect items it can mean that your recycling will end up in the landfill instead of being sorted, sold and reused. If the contamination is bad enough it can mean a whole truck-load of recycling ends up in the landfill, so please, only place the correct items in your bin.

  Where does my recycling go?

  All the recycling collected in your yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin is taken to the mixed recycling facility at Redruth, Timaru. It is then sorted into the different material types, baled and sent to either New Zealand or offshore companies. Sending our recycling to Redruth is a temporary arrangement until a planned state-of-the-art mixed recycling facility is built at Green Island Resource Recovery Precinct around 2025.

  Find out more in this video about the mixed recycling facility at Redruth, Timaru.

  Why can’t I put containers made of plastics 3, 4, 6 and 7 in kerbside recycling?

  Plastics 3, 4, 6 and 7 have no value on the plastics recycling market, so the materials cannot be sold, and we do not collect them (sales of recycling items help keep the cost of your kerbside collection service down).

  Why can’t plastic or metal lids, caps and trigger sprays go in the yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin?

  Plastic or metal lids, caps and trigger sprays can’t go in your recycling bin because when they are put in the sorting machine they become mixed up with other recyclables such as paper and cardboard, thereby contaminating that product.

  They can also fall through the sorting belts and damage the machinery, slowing and adding expense to processing.

  What if I want a bigger/smaller/new yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin?

  Yellow-lidded mixed recycling bins are available in two different sizes – 240-litres and 80-litres.

  If your yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin is lost or broken, or you wish to change the size of your bin contact either the property owner or DCC directly to arrange delivery of a replacement. There is a delivery charge that can be paid at one of our Customer Service centres.

  Should I put my address on my yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin?

  Your yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin belongs to the property and may already have a sticker with your address on it. If it doesn’t, you can write your address on your bin.

  Should I remove tape and staples from cardboard?

  Yes, if you can easily remove tape and staples from cardboard, please do so.

  Should container lids which are permanently attached be removed?

  No. When a container has a lid that can’t be removed (e.g., does not unscrew), such as some shampoo bottles, these can be put in your yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin.

  Should all labels from tin cans, plastic and glass bottles and containers be removed before recycling?

  Most labels don’t need to be removed before recycling the container. If it is easy to do so, please remove loose soft plastic labels, such as those on plastic drink bottles.

  Should the soft plastic part from empty tissue boxes or envelopes be removed before recycling the paper?

  If it’s easy to do this, yes, please do.

  Want an under-lid sticker recycling guide for your yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin?

  You can pick up a free under-lid sticker recycling guide from the Rummage shop at Green Island Landfill Resource Recovery Park or one of our Customer Service centres.

Bin latches

Latches prevent your yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin from opening and spilling if knocked over. You can collect a free bin latch from one of our Customer Service centres. Our bin inspectors are also putting latches on kerbside bins across the city.

Blue glass recycling bin

What goes in your blue glass recycling bin?

Blue recycling bins are for glass bottles and jars only.

What can’t go in your blue glass recycling bin?

• Frequently asked questions (FAQs) - blue glass recycling bin

  What happens to my glass recycling?

  Your glass recycling is hand-sorted by our kerbside collection team into green, clear or brown glass as it is put into the truck. The sorted glass is sent to VISY Recycling in Auckland, to be re-made into bottles.

  What if the lid or neck sleeve can’t be removed?

  If a lid or neck sleeve does not come off, place the empty and clean bottle/jar in your blue glass recycling bin.

  Should labels be removed?

  Loose soft plastic labels should be removed when possible. Glued paper labels don’t need to be removed.

  Should I put my address on my blue glass recycling bin?

  Blue glass recycling bins belong to the property, so, yes, please clearly write your address on your bin.

  Can I get extra bins?

  If you often have too much glass recycling for one blue glass recycling bin you can buy up to two extra bins which are available from one of our Customer Service centres for a small fee.

  My blue glass recycling bin is missing/damaged. How do I get a new one?

  If your blue glass recycling bin is the new style (blue on the inside and outside) and it has gone missing or it’s damaged, you can buy a new bin from one of our Customer Service centres for a small fee.

  Can I drop off a load of glass bottles and jars at the Green Island Landfill Resource Recovery Park for recycling?

  Yes, you can. There is no charge for dropping off clean, unbroken glass bottles and jars (with no lids) to the recycling drop-off area at Green Island Landfill Resource Recovery Park.

Old bin replacement

Is your blue glass recycling bin in the old style (black on the inside and blue on the outside)? If so, we are replacing those bins with free new blue glass recycling bins across the city. This is because the old blue glass recycling bins have reached the end of their safe life. So, if you go to bring in your old style, black-lined recycling bin from kerbside and there’s a new one in its place, please take the new one in and put your address on it.

You can call Customer Services on 03 477 4000 to specifically arrange for your old style, black-lined recycling bin to be swapped for a new one. Place your old style black-lined recycling bin at kerbside and the bin swap will occur on the day after your next blue glass recycling bin collection day following your request. On the exchange day, your old style, black-lined recycling bin must be empty and must be at the kerbside.

Red-lidded rubbish bin

What goes in your red-lidded rubbish bin?

Place any household rubbish that cannot be reused, repaired or recycled in your red-lidded rubbish bin.

What can't go in your red-lidded rubbish bin?

• Frequently asked questions (FAQs) - red-lidded rubbish bin

  I don’t think the fortnightly collection of a 140-litre red-lidded rubbish bin will be enough for my household? What do I do?

  We encourage you to try using the full four-bin service before judging whether it suits your household or not, making sure to carefully sort recycling, so there will be more room for rubbish in the bin. Check the rest of this web page for information about using your bins well.

  You can take rubbish to the Green Island landfill or another DCC transfer station, fees apply.

  If you do require extra rubbish bin capacity, you could consider commercial services/private bin hire.

  Is there a larger red-lidded rubbish bin option than the 140-litre size?

  No, there isn’t a larger red-lidded rubbish bin option. Everyone will get the largest size (140-litre) red-lidded rubbish bin, collected fortnightly. We are not offering a larger rubbish bin because our kerbside collection service aims to reduce waste.

  Why did the DCC replace its pre-paid ‘pay as you throw’ black rubbish bags with red-lidded bins?

  Manual handling of plastic rubbish bags creates health and safety risks for householders and kerbside collections staff. Bins are emptied by an automated arm on the collections truck making them a safer option for our drivers.

  The bags can be opened by animals, creating mess on our streets, whereas latches on bins keep them closed. The change from bags to bins was supported by community consultation in 2020. Getting rid of rubbish bags reduces the amount of soft plastic going to landfill. There was also a problem with illegal dumping of rubbish on kerbside by people using generic black plastic bags, meaning rate payers unfairly covered the cost of collection.

  When can I down-size to an 80-litre red-lidded rubbish bin?

  We will introduce the smaller 80-litre red-lidded rubbish bins until after 1 February 2025.

  In late 2024 we will let the community know how they can swap their new 140-litre red-lidded bin for the small size.

  What happens to my rubbish bin contents after collection?

  Your rubbish is buried in a landfill.

  I have left over pre-paid DCC black plastic rubbish bags – what can I do with them?

  You can take left-over pre-paid DCC plastic bags of rubbish to any DCC transfer station for no charge.

  What medical waste items can and cannot go into the red-lidded rubbish bin?

  As set by NZ standards, the following medical waste can/cannot go in kerbside rubbish collection bins.

  Yes:

  • Incontinence products
  • Ostomy bags
  • Empty plastic syringes and tubing
  • Used bandages/dressings
  • Bed liners.

  No:

  • Sharps
  • Syringes, injection devices
  • Bags/containers with infectious waste
  • Bags of bodily liquids that may burst on compaction.

  N.B. Patients can collect free sharps disposal containers from participating pharmacies for items such as syringes and injection devices. The approved containers and contents can be returned to participating pharmacies for disposal.

Central Business District (CBD) rubbish collection

The DCC has stopped using the DCC rubbish bags and ended the daily collection service in the Central City and South Dunedin central business districts (CBD).

DCC ceased using rubbish bags to reduce the health and safety risks for our contractors and reduce the amount of plastic going into landfill. We received feedback from the public about animals tearing rubbish bags and causing mess in the streets. Residents who have kerbside services now have rubbish bins which has helped solve this problem.

To find a CBD waste collection service that suits your needs, we suggest contacting the private waste service providers for their waste service options. These providers offer a range of different options, so even if you have limited space you should find a solution that suits your needs.

If you live in an apartment in the Central City or South Dunedin central business district and have no space for a private bin, talk to your landlord, body corporate or neighbours to discuss possible rubbish collection options e.g., shared service/bins.

Please do not leave rubbish bags out for collection. This is regarded as illegal dumping which is an offence under the DCC Litter Compliance Policy and may incur a fine of $150.

Please do not dispose of your business or residential rubbish in public rubbish bins. Public recycling and rubbish bins are for public shopping or using services in the CBD. Using public rubbish bins for business or residential rubbish is an offence under the DCC Litter Compliance Policy and may incur a fine of $100.

Optional additional 240-litre garden waste bin.

For $92 per year, plus a one off $32.50 delivery fee, you can apply for an extra, 240-litre garden waste kerbside recycling bin collected fortnightly (on the same day as your yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin).

You must come into a DCC Service Centre to fill in the application form and pay the delivery fee. You will then be sent an invoice for the kerbside collection fee.

If you have a 240-litre garden waste bin you will receive a recurring annual invoice from the DCC, separate to your DCC property rates.

This bin is suitable for households with very large gardens.

Please note: The 240-litre garden waste bin is extra to, not instead of, your green-lidded food scraps and garden waste bin. You cannot apply to swap your green-lidded food scraps and garden waste bin with this bin.

Please also note: If you have the smaller, 25-litre green-lidded food scraps bin we strongly recommend that you first try swapping your 25-litre bin for a 140-litre food scraps and garden waste bin, collected weekly.

Unlike the 240-litre bin, the 140-litre bin would not cost you any more to use than the 25-litre green-lidded bin because your annual property rates pay for the weekly collection of the 25- or 140-litre bins no matter what size they are. But, you would have to pay an extra fee every year if you ordered the optional, extra 240-litre garden waste bin.

• Frequently asked questions (FAQs) - 240-litre garden waste bin 

  How can I order and pay for a 240-litre garden waste bin?

  You can order the extra, optional fifth bin garden waste, collected fortnightly, at one of our Customer Services centres. You will be asked to pay the delivery fee at that time. The DCC will arrange a debtor number, and when this is done you will be sent an invoice to pay for the first year of use. After the first year, you will be sent an annual invoice to pay for the on-going service.

  Will I have to go a DCC Customer Services Centre every year to pay for the 240-litre garden waste bin?

  No. We will automatically charge you each following year by sending you a separate invoice. It is your responsibility to let us know if you no longer want the 240-litre garden waste bin kerbside collection service.

  What can I, and what can’t I put in the 240-litre garden waste bin?

  items that can go in your 240-litre garden waste bin are:

  • lawn clippings
  • weeds
  • leaves
  • cuttings
  • cut flowers
  • plants
  • small branches.

  Items that can't go in your 240-litre garden waste bin are:

  • weeds or grass sprayed with weed-killer
  • flax, bamboo or pampas grass
  • food scraps
  • soil
  • plastics
  • metals
  • rubbish
  • bin liners
  • liquids
  • tree trunks
  • paper or cardboard
  • compostable packaging or containers
  • palm or cabbage tree leaves
  • treated timber or sawdust
  • animal poo or kitty litter.

  When will my 240-litre garden waste bin be collected from kerbside?

  The 240-litre garden waste bin will be collected every two weeks, on the same day as your yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin.

  Can I pay to use the 240-litre garden waste bin for less than a year?

  No. To minimise the administration and delivery/retrieval costs, we will only supply the 240-litre garden waste bin for one-year periods.

  I have a 25-litre green-lidded food scraps bin – can I get a 240-litre garden waste bin, too?

  To save you money, we strongly recommend that you first try swapping your 25-litre bin for a 140-litre food scraps and garden waste bin, collected weekly (see 1 February – 30 April 2025 free bin swap period). It would not cost you any more to use than the 25-litre green-lidded bin because your annual property rates pay for the collection of your DCC kerbside bins no matter what size they are. But, you would have to pay an extra fee every year if you ordered a 240L garden waste bin.

  Can I upsize my 140-litre green-lidded food scraps and garden waste bin to a 240-litre garden waste bin instead for the same rates charge? If not, why not?

  No. This is because our research shows that a 140-litre bin for combined food scraps and garden waste each week should be enough for the vast majority of Dunedin properties with gardens. Providing a bespoke service to every property type would be more expensive for ratepayers. You can reduce garden waste by composting at home.

  Why can’t I put the optional 240-litre garden waste bin (collected fortnightly) out for weekly kerbside collection?

  If we increased the frequency of its collection it would add to the wider cost of providing the kerbside collection service and this cost increase would have to be passed on to residents in rates charges. The 240-litre garden waste bin is an optional, fifth kerbside bin. It will only be collected fortnightly on the same day as your yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin.

  In addition, on the alternate week there are potentially already three bins out for collection on your kerbside, i.e., your red and green-lidded 140-litre bins and the blue crate. Therefore, keeping collection of the 240-litre garden waste bin to the yellow-bin collection day helps keep the footpaths from getting too crowded.

  Why can’t we put any food scraps in the 240-litre garden waste bin?

  Food scraps are generally much heavier than garden waste. A bin this large would quickly get too heavy for safe collection if there were too many food scraps in it. If it is too heavy, the arm on the collection truck or the bin may get damaged trying to lift it, making it a health and safety risk, which is not good for you or the collection team.

  What is the maximum weight the 240-litre garden waste bin can be to be collected?

  60kg is the maximum weight that the collection team will accept to safely empty the 240-litre garden waste bin. The lifting arm on the collection truck has sensors that let the driver know if bins are too heavy.

  The optional 240-litre garden waste bin does not appear on the DCC kerbside collection calendar, or in the DCC Kerbside Collection app. How do I know when to put that bin out?

  The 240-litre garden waste bin gets collected on the same day as your yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin.

  What happens if I notify you that I do not need the bin anymore?

  If you have contacted us to let us know you don’t want your 240-litre garden waste bin anymore, we will ask you to leave your 240-litre garden waste bin on your kerbside the day after its collection day and we will remove it.

  Do I get a refund for the time I will not be using the 240-litre garden waste bin if I sell my property part way through the year, or if I decided I don’t want my bin anymore part way through the year?

  No. To minimise the administration and delivery/retrieval costs, we will only supply the 240-litre garden waste bin for one-year periods. We will not refund your costs if you decide part way through the invoice period that you don’t want the bin.

  What happens if I don’t pay my yearly invoice for my 240-litre garden waste bin collection service?

  If you do not pay your yearly invoice for your 240-litre garden waste wheelie bin, we will arrange to come and collect it from your address.

  I bought a house that has a 240-litre garden waste bin. What do I do?

  You can choose to pay the annual charge (invoiced separately from rates) for the 240-litre garden waste bin and we will provide you with the collection service described above. If you do not wish to use this optional, extra kerbside bin, email dcc@dcc.govt.nz or call 03 477 4000 to arrange to have it removed from your property (see the FAQ above).

  I am a tenant – can I order the 240-litre garden waste bin for my household?

  No, tenants of a rental property cannot order the 240-litre garden waste bin for the property. This is because the bin must be paid for by the property owner, or their property agent, and there will be a yearly invoice sent to them directly, not to the tenant.

A-Z disposal search

What can and can’t be recycled in your kerbside recycling bins and some options to reduce, reuse and recycle other items.

• Aerosol spray cans

  

  Aerosol and spray cans; deodorant, hair, fly sprays

  Empty aerosol cans are not accepted for recycling and must go in the rubbish.

• Agrichemicals and containers

  

  Agrichemicals; herbicide, pesticide etc.

  Empty containers cannot be put into your recycling bin. At point of purchase ask if containers are refillable. Agrichemical containers can be recycled via the Agrecovery programme. Check the Agrecovery website www.agrecovery.co.nz for recycling containers and the safe disposal of agrichemicals.

• Aluminium can

  

  Aluminium can, drink can

  Can be recycled in kerbside collection. Rinse and do not squash.

• Aluminium foil

  

  Aluminium foil

  Cannot be accepted for recycling and must go in the rubbish.

• Aluminium (large)

  

  Aluminium (large)

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Green Island landfill has a scrap metal bin for public use to recycle metals. Refer to scrap metal dealers in the yellow pages.

• Ammunition

  

  see Explosives

• Animal carcass

  

  Animal carcass

  Contact your local vet or cremation services. Burial in your backyard (check DCC bylaws for guidance). There may also be an opportunity for taxidermy services. On the farm please check with Otago Regional Council for guidance.

  Contact Keep It Clean who have a rendering plant who maybe able to help with processing deer material, casualty stock and shop waste from butcheries, supermarkets, home kill operators and small meat processors.

  As a last resort Green Island landfill can accept as a special hazardous waste and would be charge according to load size.

• Animal fur

  

  Animal fur

  Can go into the food scraps/greenwaste bin.

• Animal waste

  

  Animal waste (poo)

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Please bag and put into your rubbish.

• Antifreeze

  

  Antifreeze

  Cannot be collected at the kerbside. Take to the Green Island landfill and dispose of as a special waste for safe disposal.

• Asbestos

  

  Asbestos

  Classed as a special waste and would require advice from the DCC Landfill Engineer 03 477 4000.

• Ashes

  

  Ashes

  For safe disposal we recommend discarded ashes are dampened, then stored in a securely lidded metal container. Leave for a minimum of three days to make sure the ashes are cold.

  Pre-bag the dampened, cold ashes before putting into your kerbside rubbish collection.

• Baby clothing

  

  see Baby items

• Baby furniture

  

  see Baby items

• Baby items

  

  Baby clothing, baby furniture, prams

  You can reduce the need to purchase new baby products by purchasing pre-loved clothing, furniture, prams etc, borrowing from a friend of family member. Keep baby products for another baby or pass onto a friend, family member or neighbour.

  Pregnancy Help Dunedin also accept good condition baby items. Another reuse option to consider to is pass unwanted baby blankets onto animal welfare groups for bedding.

  If you are unable to reuse or donate your baby products, then dispose to the landfill in your rubbish collection or take to your local transfer station.

• Bags (plastic, compostable and biodegradable)

  

  Bags or bin liners (plastic, compostable and biodegradable)

  Cannot be accepted in any DCC recycling bin and must go in the rubbish.

• Baleage wrap

  

  Baleage wrap; farm wrap and silage wrap

  Reduce the use of baleage wrap by finding an alternative storage method - like a concrete bunker.

  Talk to PLASBACK or other baleage wrap recyclers who are able to supply and collect thereafter for recycling.

• Bamboo

  

  see Cabbage tree, flax and palm leaves and bamboo

• Batteries (domestic)

  

  Batteries; AA/AAA and other small sizes; alkaline/carbon based batteries- non rechargeable battery, button (watches, hearing aids, calculators), lithium

  Cannot be recycled in the kerbside collection. Using rechargeable batteries will reduce the amount of battery usage. Non-rechargeable alkaline, zinc and lithium batteries can be dropped off for FREE to the Green Island landfill Rummage shop or hazardous waste area for recycling. If you have damaged house hold batteries please contact us for safe disposal advice.

  Vape batteries can be extremely hazardous. Please keep these out of kerbside recycling and rubbish as when damaged they may cause a fire.  
  Dispose of these safely. Talk to your vape retailer about recycling options.

  Alternatively, Bunnings have a FREE domestic battery collection recycling bin. Ask the Bunnings team if you are unsure whether your battery can be accepted in their collection.

• Batteries - EV or solar over 5kg (for electric vehicles or solar systems)

  

  Batteries - EV or solar over 5kg (for electric vehicles or solar systems)

  Cannot be recycled in the kerbside collection. Cannot be accepted by any DCC recycling or waste disposal service. Return EV or solar system rechargeable batteries to the product supplier for disposal.

• Batteries-other (cellphones, power tools or cameras etc)

  

  Batteries- other (cellphones, power tools or cameras etc.)- rechargeable

  Cannot be recycled in the kerbside collection. Rechargeable batteries can be purchased for use in most appliances. Before you purchase an electrical device, do some research.

  Recell Limited can replace your old rechargeable battery packs i.e. from power tools. Drop off for FREE to the Green Island landfill Rummage shop or hazardous waste area for recycling.

• Batteries (vehicle)

  

  Lead/acid cars, motorbikes, trucks, boats

  Cannot be recycled in the kerbside collection. Recycle at local scrap metal dealers or check with your service station otherwise drop off at the Green Island landfill hazardous waste area.

• Battery chargers

  

  Battery chargers

  Cannot be recycled in the kerbside collection. Give to someone else or on sell/donate. Recycle via e-waste drop off locations such as Cargill Enterprises or Green Island landfill Rummage shop.

• Bed

  

  see Furniture

• Bed linen

  

  see Clothing and fabric

• Bicycle (and parts)

  

  Bicycle and parts

  Instead of buying a new bike you can hire a bike or purchase a good condition, road safe secondhand bike. Rather than replacing your broken bike why not repair it - you could take to a bike store or do a course for bike repairing yourself.

  Gift to someone else, donate, swap or sell it. Some components can be taken to the Green Island landfill Rummage shop.

• Bin liners (plastic, compostable and biodegradable)

  

  see Bags (plastic, compostable and biodegradable)

• Blankets

  

  Blanket, quilt, duvet

  Repair if ripped or torn. Upcycle into another item. If in good condition it can be sold, donated to charity or taken to a secondhand store such as the Green Island landfill Rummage shop.

  Damaged product could be used as pet bedding at home or donated to the SPCA. Where practical purchase good quality blankets, duvets and quilts that can last a longtime.

• Bleach

  

  see Cleaning products

• Board games and toys

  

  Board games, toys

  Cannot be recycled in the kerbside collection. If in good condition the board games and toys can be passed on to family, friends or a secondhand store like the Green Island landfill Rummage shop.

• Books

  

  Books

  Small amounts can be recycled in the kerbside collection. Instead of buying and then disposing of books try using your public library is a great source of books which can be borrowed for a set period of time.

  Share and swap books with friends or join a local book club. Visit your local book exchange or secondhand book store and purchase a pre-loved copy. Purchase the electronic version or e-book.

• Branches and twigs (small)

  

  Branches and twigs (small)

  Can go into the food scraps/garden waste bin.

• Brass

  

  see Metal non-ferrous

• Bread

  

  Bread products

  Can go into the food scraps/garden waste bin. Putting a sliced loaf of bread in the freezer and taking slices as needed can reduce bread spoiling. See Love Food Hate Waste NZ website for more tips.

• Brick, rubble, rocks and concrete

  

  Brick, rubble and concrete

  Some places accept bricks for reuse. Build features, fences, edging or paving in your garden with left over bricks and stones.

  These items can be disposed of as cleanfill at the Green Island landfill, provided it contains no hazardous materials (a fee may apply).

• Broken glass, mirrors, crockery

  

  Broken glass; bottles, jars, window glass, wine and other drinking glasses

  Broken glass is to be wrapped up well and placed in your kerbside rubbish collection.

• Bronze

  

  see Metal non-ferrous

• Bubble wrap

  

  see Soft Plastics (household)

• Buttons

  

  Buttons, zippers

  Cannot be recycled in the kerbside collection. Reuse on other garments or donate.

• Cabbage tree leaves

  

  Cabbage tree, flax and palm leaves and bamboo

  Cannot be accepted in any DCC recycling bin and must go in the rubbish or large quantities taken to your nearest transfer station.

• Caps, lids and trigger sprays

  

  Caps, lids and trigger sprays

  Must be removed from all containers and bottles (where possible) and placed in the rubbish.

• Caravan

  

  see Car bodies

• Car bodies and parts

  

  Car parts and bodies, trailer, motorcycle, caravan

  Reuse parts from the vehicle. On sell vehicle or vehicle parts. Contact a local scrap metal yard about your recycling options.

• Cardboard

  

  Boxes, egg cartons, toilet rolls, cereal boxes and pizza boxes

  Can be recycled in the yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin. Boxes must be flattened and free of food waste. Larger boxes should be cut up to smaller pieces before placing in the recycling bin.

  Keep the cardboard boxes to be used for storage or packaging items for mailing. Place small pieces of cardboard in your compost bin. Consider using wooden or plastic crates which can be used more often than a cardboard box.

• Carpet and Mat

  

  Carpet, mats, rugs, underlay

  Check with the manufacturer to see if they have a recycling programme. If in good condition, reuse elsewhere or pass on to someone else to use.

  Woollen carpet could be used in the garden as weedmat. Investigate alternatives to carpet such as wooden or concrete floors. Can be disposed of at the Green Island landfill.

• Cellphones and home phones

  

  Cell and home phones

  Cannot be recycled in kerbside collection. Most cellphone stores partner with the Remobile scheme, www.remobile.org.nz - drop your cell and home phone off for recycling.

  Drop off to Cargill Enterprises or the Green Island landfill Rummage shop for recycling - small fee may apply.

• Chairs

  

  see Furniture

• Chemical waste (household)

  

  Chemical waste

  If you cannot use the chemicals the next best practical option is disposal. Take to Green Island landfill hazardous waste for proper treatment and disposal.

  If you need further advice or if you have large volumes, please contact the Landfill Engineer at Dunedin City Council 03 477 4000.

  Ensure the chemical is either in its original container or is appropriately labelled, in a leak proof container.

• Child car seat

  

  Child car seats

  Can be recycled via the Seat Smart programme. Approximately 90% of the seat components are recyclable. Take to the at Green Island landfill Rummage shop or Baby on the Move in Dunedin.

  A $10 recycling fee will apply. The total cost of recycling the seats is subsidised by the DCC Waste Levy Fund.

• Cleanfill

  

  Natural materials - Concrete, clay, soil, rock, brick -free from any contaminants

  These items can be disposed of as cleanfill at the Green Island landfill, provided it contains no hazardous materials (a fee may apply).

• Cleaning products

  

  Bleach, cleaning product, nail polish remover

  If you have less than 20-litres of hazardous product you can dispose of it at the Green Island landfill hazardous waste area. Ensure that the hazardous product is appropriately labelled and is in a leak proof container.

  Reduce by looking for products labelled environmentally friendly i.e., eco-cleaners, enviro-friendly garden sprays. If you cannot find an alternative non-hazardous product; buy only what you need and choose refills rather than new containers.

  Share leftovers with neighbours, friends or family and donate to a community group for a local project. Recycle by checking with the products manufacturer if they have a take-back scheme. Learn to make your own environmentally friendly cleaning products.

• Cling film

  

  see Soft plastics (household)

• Clothing and fabric

  

  Clothing ,fabric, cloth, bed linen and towels

  Cannot be recycled in kerbside collection. Preloved good clothing can be donated via clothing collection bins or taken to charity stores or the Green Island landfill Rummage shop or passed on to family/friends. Fabrics, bed linen in good condition can also be passed on for reuse.

• Coat hanger

  

  Coat hanger

  Cannot be recycled in kerbside collection. When you purchase an item ask the store to keep the hanger for reuse.

• Coffee cups and lids

  

  Coffee cups and lids (single use)

  Cannot be recycled in kerbside collection. Using a 'keep cup' can reduce the use of single use coffee cups.

• Coffee grounds

  

  Coffee grounds

  Can go into the food scraps/garden waste bin.

• Coffee pods and capsules

  

  Coffee pods and capsules

  Cannot be recycled in kerbside collection. Check with the store where you buy them from as some collect empties and return them to the manufacturers.

• Compact discs

  

  Compact discs and DVDs

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. They could be passed on to someone else to use or donated to a secondhand or charity store.

• Compostable packaging

  

  Compostable packaging

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Please put in the rubbish.

• Computer and accessories

  

  see e-waste

• Concrete

  

  see Brick, rubble, rocks and concrete

• Construction materials

  

  Construction materials; wood, steel, electrical cable and slate cladding.

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Some construction materials could be reused or recycled. If you are unable to do so, dispose at the Green Island landfill.

• Cooked food and leftovers

  

  Cooked food and leftovers

  Can go into the food scraps/garden waste bin.

• Cooking equipment

  

  Cooking equipment; pots and pans, slow cookers and electric frying pans

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Pass your good pre-loved cooking equipment onto family/friends or donate to a secondhand store such as the Green Island landfill Rummage shop.

• Cooking oil

  

  Cooking oil, fat

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Small amounts of lard/fat can be mixed with bird seed to make food for bird feeders.

  For large amounts call 'Fat Man' here in Dunedin to discuss possible collection for recycling.

  Wrap in sawdust and paper and put out with the rubbish collection for landfill disposal.

• Copper

  

  see Metal- non ferrous

• Corrugated iron

  

  see Metal (ferrous)

• Cups and crockery

  

  Cups and crockery

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Pass on to family/friends or donate to a charity or secondhand store such as the Green Island landfill Rummage shop.

• Curtains and cushions

  

  Curtains and cushions

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Good condition curtains and cushions can be donated to others, charity or secondhand stores such as the Green Island landfill Rummage shop.

  The Dunedin Curtain Bank will possibly take clean unwanted curtains and drapes.

• Cutlery and knives

  

  Cutlery and knives

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Pass on to family/friends or donate to a charity or secondhand store such as the Green Island landfill Rummage shop.

• Dairy (soft, liquid - milk, yoghurt)

  

  Dairy soft, liquid - milk, yoghurt

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside because it is a liquid. These can be safely disposed of via the kitchen/laundry sink.

• Dairy (solid - butter/cheese)

  

  Dairy (solid - butter/cheese)

  Can go into the food scraps/garden waste bin.

• Dishwashers

  

  see Whiteware

• Disposable nappies

  

  Disposable nappies

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside and must be disposed of as rubbish. Reduce waste by using cloth nappy alternatives.

• Disposable plates

  

  Disposable plates

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside and must be disposed of as rubbish. Reduce by using washable serviceware.

• Drink can

  

  see Aluminium can

• Duvet

  

  see Blankets

• DVDs

  

  see Compact Discs

• Egg and seafood shells

  

  Egg and seafood shells

  Can go into the food scraps/garden waste bin.

• Electric blankets

  

  Electric blankets

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. If it is in good working condition have it safety tested and pass it to someone else to use. Otherwise dispose of at the Green Island landfill.

• e-waste

  

  Computers and accessories, printers, photocopiers, fax machine, televisions and monitors, phones and phone chargers

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. If in working order give to someone else or sell. Household items such as computers, laptops and tablets, computer monitors, desktop printers, copiers, scanners and multifunction printers, computer peripherals, cameras, video cameras, TV’s and other household e-waste can be dropped off for recycling at Green Island landfill Rummage shop and Cargill Enterprises.

  There maybe a charge associated for the recycling. For items dropped to the Rummage shop, the recycling costs are subsidised by the DCC Waste Levy fund. The TechCollect programme is back and now supported by Noel Leeming stores. They will accept for no charge: printers, computers, laptops and tablets as well as keyboards, mice, power supplies, copiers, cameras, scanners and multifunction printers. It excludes screens/televisions, whiteware goods, non-IT electronics, loose batteries, toner and ink cartridges.

  Mobile phones can also be taken to Noel Leeming for recycling by the Re:Mobile programme. Customers are reminded they are responsible for clearing personal data from devices before dropping them off. Please visit the TechCollect website for further FAQ’s.

• Explosives

  

  Explosives, ammunition, fireworks

  Cannot be recycled. For safe disposal advice contact your local police station.

• Fabric

  

  see Clothing ,fabric, cloth, bed linen and towels

• Fat

  

  see Cooking oil

• Fax machine

  

  see e-waste

• Fencing wire

  

  Fencing wire; barbed wire, chicken wire, light wire mesh and high tensile wire

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Where possible carefully remove your fencing wire to reuse or repair fences. Some scrap metal dealers will take wire fencing for recycling. Place in the scrap metal bin at the Green Island landfill.

• Fire extinguisher

  

  Fire extinguisher

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. A good condition empty extinguisher can be pressure tested and refilled at Cylinder Testing Services. They can also empty and recycle fire extinguishers.

• Fireworks

  

  see Explosives

• Flax

  

  see Cabbage tree, flax and palm leaves and bamboo

• Flowers

  

  Flowers

  Can go into the food scraps/garden waste bin.

• Fluorescent tubes or compact bulbs

  

  Fluorescent tubes/compact bulbs

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Some local lighting shops take unbroken fluro bulbs back for safe disposal, including Mitre10 Dunedin store.

  Dunedin City Council Civic Centre or the Rummage shop at Green Island landfill will take unbroken CFLs for safe recycling. CFLs are very dangerous and should one break isolate the area and contact DCC for advice.

• Food pouches

  

  Food pouches

  Are typically made out of several types of plastic and aluminum materials. These mixed materials are difficult to recycle and must be put into the rubbish.

• Food scraps

  

  Food waste

  Reduce by planning your meals, only purchase what you need, save leftovers for future meals and using perishable ingredients before they spoil. Food scraps can go into your kerbside food scraps/garden waste bin.

• Food tins

  

  Food tins, pet food tins

  Can be recycled at kerbside. Please rinse and do not squash.

• Food waste

  

  see Food scraps

• Fridge and freezers

  

  see Whiteware

• Fruit and vegetables

  

  Fruit and vegetables

  Can go into the food scraps/garden waste bin.

• Fruit stickers

  

  Fruit stickers

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Please put in the rubbish.

• Furniture

  

  Furniture, chairs, tables, sofas, bed and mattress

  Good quality furniture could go to a secondhand store or the Rummage shop at Green Island landfill or pass it on to family/friends.

  Minimise the need to replace furniture where possible by choosing good quality furniture that can last a lifetime.

• Garden sprays and chemicals

  

  See Agrichemicals and containers

• Garden waste and grass

  

  Garden waste and grass

  Can go into the food scraps/garden waste bin.

• Garden weeds

  

  see Garden waste and grass

• Gas bottles and cylinders

  

  Gas bottles and cylinders (BBQ gas bottles, LPG gas cylinders, camping gas cookers, propane, butane)

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. BBQ or LPG gas bottles are refillable at your local gas bottle station but they do have an expiry date. See if the bottle can be recertified.

  If it cannot be recertified as safe they can take it or recycling or drop off at Green Island landfill for recycling. A small fee will apply.

• Glass bottles and jars

  

  Glass bottles and jars (no lids or caps)

  Can be recycled at kerbside in the blue bin. Please rinse bottles and jars, remove lids and caps and put these in the rubbish.

  Broken bottle and jars must be wrapped in paper and put into the rubbish. Jars could be kept and used for preserves or other storage.

• Glasses (prescription)

  

  Glasses (drinking)

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Donate unchipped drinking glasses to a charity shop or the Rummage store at Green Island landfill. Broken glasses need to be wrapped and disposed of in the rubbish.

• Glue

  

  Glue

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Take large amounts to the Green Island landfill for drop off in the special waste area for safe disposal.

• Grass clippings

  

  see Garden waste and grass

• Hair (human and pet)

  

  Hair (human and pet)

  Can go into the food scraps/garden waste bin.

• Hazardous and special waste

  

  Hazardous waste; pesticides and herbicides, solvents, strippers, thinners, wood treatment or preservatives, glue, garden and pest chemicals (herbicides, fertilisers, insecticides, pesticides, weedkillers etc), petrol and oil, lead/acid vehicle batteries (not EV) and pool chemicals. Household waste; disinfectant or bleach, medicines, nail polish remover, shoe polish and kitchen and oven cleaners

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Take to the Green Island landfill for drop off in the special/hazardous waste area for safe disposal.

• Heater (electric)

  

  Heater (electric)

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. If in good working order have an electrical safety check conducted and give to family/friend to use. Otherwise pass to a secondhand store such as the Green Island landfill Rummage shop.

• Heater (oil)

  

  Heater (oil)

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. If in good working order have an electrical safety check conducted and give to family/friend to use. Otherwise pass to a secondhand store such as the Green Island landfill site Rummage shop.

• Herbicides

  

  see Hazardous and special waste

• Household cleaners

  

  see Chemical waste

• Ice cream container #1, #2 or #5

  

  Ice cream container #1, #2 or #5

  Can be recycled at kerbside. Please rinse and do not squash.

• Iron (metal)

  

  see Metal (ferrous)

• Jar (glass)

  

  see Glass bottles and jars (lids must be disposed of to the rubbish)

• Juice and milk cartons (waxed)

  

  Juice boxes and cartons (waxed)

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside and must be disposed of as rubbish. Choose products that come in packaging that is able to be recycled in Dunedin.

• Junk mail

  

  Junk mail, advertising/direct mail, leaflets, circulars, catalogues, pamphlets

  Can be recycled at kerbside. Reduce junk mail by putting a No Junk Mail/No Circulars sticker on your letter box.

• Kitchen appliances

  

  Toasters, microwaves, kettles, blenders

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Choose good quality, energy efficient when replacing appliances - these will likely last longer. See whether the appliance can be repaired.

  Appliances in good, working condition can be on sold, donated to charity or taken to secondhand stores such as the Rummage shop at Green Island landfill.

  Some items with a high metal content could be recycled for scrap metal - contact your local scrap metal dealer. Broken units unable to be recycled or reused can be disposed of at the landfill.

• Kitty litter

  

  see Animal waste

• Lawn clippings

  

  see Garden waste and grass

• Leaves

  

  see Garden waste and grass

• Lids

  

  see Caps, lids and trigger sprays

• Light bulbs CFL (energy savers)

  

  see Fluorescent tubes/compact bulbs

• Light bulbs (traditional glass)

  

  Light bulbs (traditional glass)

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. They will need to be wrapped in newspaper and put in the rubbish. Mitre10 Dunedin store has a free drop off location for all light bulbs. The bulbs are safely disposed of or recycled.

• Linen and towels

  

  see Clothing and fabric

• Liquids (hazardous)

  

  see Chemical waste

• Lithium batteries

  

  see Batteries (domestic)

• Magazines

  

  Magazine

  Can be recycled in the kerbside collection. Instead of buying and then disposing of magazines try using your public library is a great source of magazines which can be borrowed for a set period of time.

  Share and swap magazines with friends or join a local book club. Purchase the electronic version or e-magazine. Donate to schools to make use of the photos.

• Makeup

  

  Makeup

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside and must be disposed of as rubbish.

• Mat

  

  see Carpet

• Mattress

  

  see Furniture

• Meat and food trays #1, #2 or #5 only plastic

  

  Meat and food trays #1, #2 or #5 only plastic

  Can be recycled in the kerbside collection. Must be rinsed to remove any meat or food residue.

• Meat and food trays (polystyrene)

  

  Meat and food trays (polystyrene)

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside and must be disposed of as rubbish. Look for recyclable packaging when making purchases.

• Meat, fish and bones

  

  Meat, fish and bones

  Can go into the food scraps/garden waste bin.

• Medical waste

  

  Medical waste

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside.

  Needles syringes and unused medication: special containers are issued by participating pharmacies to patients so they can safely collect medical items such as syringes and injection devices, known as “sharps”.

  Once full, the approved containers can be returned to participating pharmacies for safe collection and disposal. The initiative, which is funded by Te Whatu Ora Southern, is available at participating pharmacies across the region.

  Unused prescribed medication can also be returned at no charge to your pharmacy for safe disposal. Please contact your nearest pharmacy for further details. If there is no other stated means of recycling or disposal then the items must be ideally placed in a tied plastic bag and disposed of in the rubbish.

  What medical waste can and cannot go in any DCC kerbside collection red-lidded rubbish bin?

  The following medical waste items are accepted in DCC kerbside collection red-lidded rubbish bins:

  • Incontinence products
  • Stoma/ostomy bags
  • Empty plastic syringes and tubing
  • Used bandages/dressings, bed liners.

  The following items cannot go in any DCC kerbside collection red-lidded rubbish bins:

  • Infectious waste, sharps (sharp objects, syringes and injection devices)
  • Receptacles containing bodily fluids
  • Waste containing expressible bodily fluids (that can burst if compacted).

• Medication

  

  see Medical waste

• Metal bottle caps or lids

  

  Metal bottle tops and lids

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Place all lids and caps into the rubbish.

• Metal (ferrous)

  

  Corrugated iron, steel, metal such as machinery, whiteware

  Cannot be recycled in the kerbside collection. Take to scrap metal dealer for recycling or to Green Island landfill scrap metal collection area.

• Metal (non ferrous)

  

  Copper, brass, bronze, lead

• Microwave

  

  see Kitchen appliances

• Milk cartons (waxed)

  

  see Juice and milk cartons (waxed)

• Mirrors (unbroken)

  

  Mirrors (unbroken)

  Cannot be recycled in the kerbside collection. Pass on to a family member or friend. Donate to a charity store or a secondhand store such as the Green Island landfill Rummage shop.

• Mobile phones

  

  see Cell phones

• Motorcycle

  

  see Car bodies

• Musical instruments

  

  Musical instrument

  If in good condition then reuse by giving to friends and family, donating to a secondhand shop or on-selling it. If broken and small put in the kerbside rubbish bin or taken to your local transfer station.

• Nappies

  

  see Disposable nappies

• Needles/syringes

  

  see Medical waste

• Newspapers

  

  Newspapers

  Can be recycled in the kerbside yellow-lidded recycling bin. Must be clean and dry.

• Office furniture

  

  Office furniture

  Cannot be recycled in the kerbside collection. Donate to charity stores, schools, other organisations or secondhand shops such as the Green Island landfill Rummage shop.

• Oil and oil filters (engine)

  

  Oil (engine -used oil from vehicles and machinery), Oil filters

  Can be recycled by dropping off the the Green Island landfill special waste area or contact Fulton Hogan for recycling options. Some car part retailers also provide a drop off area for old oil for recycling. Store in a non-leaking labelled container.

• Oil (cooking)

  

  see Cooking oil

• Oven

  

  see Whiteware

• Paint

  

  Paint

  Cannot be recycled in kerbside collection and cannot be disposed of at the Green Island landfill. Only buy what you need, carefully measure the area to paint and use the coverage recommendations on the paint label or seek advice from your paint supplier. Resene Paintwise programme will accept some paint and paint tins back for recycling. Contact your local Resene Paint store for further information.

• Palm leaves

  

  see Cabbage tree, flax and palm leaves and bamboo

• Pampas grass

  

  see Cabbage tree, flax and palm leaves and bamboo

• Paper (non-shredded paper only)

  

  Paper (non shredded paper only)

  Can be recycled in the yellow-lidded recycling bin. If you have large amounts of paper (non-shredded paper) for recycling check with a commercial waste/recycling collection provider. Use scrap paper as note paper. Print on both sides to reduce the paper usage.

• Paper towels

  

  Paper towels

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Must go in the rubbish.

• Perfume bottle

  

  Perfume bottle

  Can be recycled at kerbside in the blue bin. If possible, please rinse, remove lids and caps and put these in the rubbish.

  Broken perfume bottles must be wrapped in paper and put into the rubbish.

• Pesticides

  

  see Hazardous and special waste

• Pet food tins

  

  Pet food tins

  Can be recycled in kerbside collection. Make sure the tin is empty, clean and not squashed.

• Petrol

  

  see Hazardous and special waste

• Phone book

  

  Phone book

  Can be recycled in the kerbside collection. Please remove the front and back cover. You can contact Yellow Pages and request to be removed from the delivery list. You can use the the online directories.

• Phone charger

  

  see e-waste

• Phone (home)

  

  see Cell and home phone

• Photocopiers

  

  see e-waste

• Pizza boxes

  

  Pizza boxes

  Can be recycled in the kerbside collection. Be sure all food is removed. Grease spots are acceptable.

• Plants

  

  see Garden waste and grass

• Plasterboard

  

  Plasterboard

  You can now take clean, plasterboard offcuts for recycling at the Green Island resource recovery area. If you have new and clean plasterboard offcuts leftover from your home reno or DIY project then bring them in for free recycling.

  We accept:

  • GIB Standard
  • Wideline
  • Fyreline
  • Braceline
  • Noiseline
  • Ultraline.

  The gypsum in the plasterboard is extracted and mixed with other compost materials.

  Products currently not accepted for recycling: GIB products from demolition sites:

  • GIB Aqualine, Barrierline.
  • Weatherline
  • Demolition or used material.
  • Domestic loads only.

• Plastic bags

  

  see Soft plastics, plastic bags

• Plastic bottles and containers

  

  Plastic bottles and containers #1, 2 and 5

  Can be recycled in the yellow-lidded recycling bin. Make sure all residual contents are removed and the container is rinsed. All lids and caps that can be removed go in the rubbish.

  Do not squash. Reduce by using refillable or glass bottles/containers. We only accept #1, #2 and #5 plastic containers. Minimum size small dip container – maximum size 4-litres.

  Examples of accepted items include drink bottles, food containers, milk and juice containers, shampoo and soap containers.

• Plastic bottles and containers #3, 4, 6 & 7

  

  Plastic bottles and containers #3, 4, 6 & 7

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Please put into rubbish.

• Plastic plant or seedling pots

  

  Plastic plant or seedling pots

  Cannot be recycled in kerbside collection. Contact your local community garden to see if they can make use of them, or take to the Green Island landfill Rummage shop. Some garden centres also take them back.

• Polystyrene

  

  Polystyrene

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Domestic loads of polystyrene can be taken to the Green Island resource recovery area or Mitre 10 MEGA for free, which is then recycled by WM in Dunedin.

• Pots and metal kitchenware

  

  see Cooking equipment

• Pram

  

  see Baby items

• Printers

  

  see e-waste

• PVC roofing

  

  PVC Roofing

  Cannot be recycled in kerbside collection. Good condition left overs of secondhand roofing could be sold or given to someone else to use or taken to the Green Island landfill Rummage shop.

• Pyrex and heat proof glass

  

  Pyrex/heat proof glass

  Cannot be recycled in kerbside collection. Broken heat proof glass such as coffee plungers, cooking dishes need to be wrapped well in paper before putting in the rubbish.

  If still in good condition pass to family or friends or could be donated to charity store or Rummage shop.

• Quilt

  

  see Blankets

• Razors

  

  Razors

  Cannot be recycled in the kerbside collection. Before placing in rubbish they need to be wrapped well in paper.

• Reading Glasses

  

  Reading Glasses; prescription/eye (glasses, eye and sun glasses, safety glasses)

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Investigate the option of donating your old frames for reuse in charity programmes.

• Rechargeable battery

  

  see Batteries

• Rocks

  

  see Bricks, rubble, rocks and concrete

• Roll-on deodorant #1,#2 and #5 only plastic

  

  see Plastic bottles and containers

• Roofing iron

  

  see Metal (non-ferrous)

• Rubber gloves

  

  Rubber gloves

  Cannot be recycled in the kerbside collection and should be put in the rubbish.

• Rubble

  

  see Bricks, rubble, rocks and concrete

• Rug

  

  see Carpet

• Scrap metal

  

  Scrap metal, aluminium, stainless steel, iron, bike frames, brass, old metal pipes

  Cannot be recycled in kerbside collection. Contact a local scrap metal recycler. There is also a free scrap metal collection bin at Green Island landfill resource recovery area.

• Screens (computer monitors and TVs)

  

  see e-waste

• Seafood shells

  

  see Egg and seafood shells

• Shoes

  

  Shoes (boots, high heels, sneakers, gumboots, sandals)

  Cannot be recycled in kerbside collection. Consider repair to extend wearable life. If in good condition pass to family member or friend. Donate to charity store or Rummage shop.

• Silage wrap

  

  see Baleage wrap

• Single use cup

  

  See Coffee cups and lids

• Smoke alarms

  

  Smoke alarms

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Dispose of in the rubbish. Smoke detectors do emit small amounts of radiation.

  The National Radiation Laboratory recommends that smoke detectors can be disposed of to landfill.

• Sofa

  

  see Furniture

• Soft plastics (household)

  

  Bubble wrap, plastic bags, sleeves on containers

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. The Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme for the Dunedin and Mosgiel areas has been reinstated as of mid-September 2023.

  Please drop off to participating collection sites.

• Soil or earth (free of hazardous material)

  

  see Cleanfill

• Solvents

  

  see Hazardous and special waste

• Sports equipment

  

  Sports equipment (balls, rackets, clubs, bats, nets, footwear, trampolines, safety pads)

  Cannot be recycled in kerbside collection. Donate unwanted in good working order old sports equipment to family, friends, clubs or other organisations, charity stores or Rummage shop or sell.

  Broken equipment could also be repaired.

• Sprayed weeds or grass

  

  Sprayed (weed killer) weeds or grass

  If you have sprayed your weeds or grass with a weed-killer then please put the grass clippings and weeds into the red-lidded rubbish bin or take them to the landfill. They cannot be recycled into compost because the weed killer spray residue may harm the plants the compost is used on later.

• Sun glasses

  

  see Reading glasses

• Table

  

  see Furniture

• Tapes

  

  Tapes; video, cassette tapes (VHS)

  Give to someone else or dispose of in the rubbish.

• Tea bags

  

  Tea bags

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside, please put into the rubbish. Loose leaf tea however can go in the food scraps/garden waste bin.

• Televisions and monitors

  

  see e-waste

• Textiles

  

  see Clothing or fabric

• Timber (treated or untreated)

  

  Timber (treated or untreated)

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Dispose of in rubbish or take large quantities to your local transfer station.

• Tin foil

  

  see Aluminium foil

• Toasters

  

  see Kitchen appliances

• Toe toe

  

  see Cabbage tree, flax and palm leaves and bamboo

• Toilet rolls

  

  Toilet rolls

  Can be recycled in the kerbside collection.

• Toner cartridges

  

  Toner cartridges

  Cannot be recycled in kerbside collection. Check with the supplier to see if cartridge can be refilled. Otherwise could be recycled as e-waste.

• Tools

  

  Tools

  Cannot be recycled in kerbside collection. Can be passed onto other people or sold. Tools can also be repaired. Power tools could possibly be recycled or have the battery replaced.

• Toothbrush

  

  Toothbrush

  Cannot be recycled in the kerbside collection. Disposal to landfill in rubbish collection. Use an electric toothbrush; it is more expensive than a normal toothbrush but it will reduce the amount of waste to landfill.

  Old toothbrushes can be reused for cleaning and/or scrubbing in small and hard to reach places. You can choose to buy Bamboo toothbrushes which can be composted after end of use.

• Toothpaste tubes

  

  Toothpaste tubes

  Cannot be recycled in the kerbside collection and should be put in the rubbish. Alternatives to buying tubes of toothpaste is to make your own toothpaste - search online for recipes.

• Topsoil

  

  see Cleanfill

• Toys

  

  Toys

  Cannot be recycled in kerbside collection. Donate unwanted good condition plastic toys to the toy library, waiting room, library or kindergarten/playcentre or give to family or friends.

  Purchasing wooden or fabric toys are alternatives to plastic toys. Instead of purchasing toys you can visit your local toy library to hire toys. If you cannot reuse your plastic toy the toy will need to be disposed off in the rubbish or to the Green Island landfill.

• Trailer

  

  see Car bodies

• Tyres

  

  Tyres

  From the 5^th May 2025 charges will be reinstating at out transfer stations to drop off Tyres for recycling.

  Leave them with the tyre company, when you get new ones. Otherwise take to the Green Island landfill for recycling. Fees will apply. A maximum of 5 domestic car tyres can be accepted.

  Commercial and bulk loads will be accepted and charged a tonnage rate. Alternatively, commercial companies with bulk loads can register with Register Now And Get Involved - Tyrewise, New Zealand.

• Underlay

  

  see Carpet

• Vacuum cleaner

  

  Vacuum cleaner

  If in working order pass to family or friend for use or sell. Take to Rummage shop for parts. Otherwise recycle at Cargill Enterprises. There maybe a recycling fee.

• Vacuum cleaner dust

  

  Vacuum cleaner dust

  Cannot be accepted in any kerbside recycling bins. Please put in rubbish.

• Vaping pods and devices

  

  Vaping pods and devices

  Cannot be recycled at kerbside. Please put into rubbish.

• Vases and ornaments

  

  Vases and ornaments

  Cannot be recycled in kerbside collection. Pass on to a family member or friend. Donate to charity store or Rummage shop.

• Vegetables

  

  see Fruit and vegetables

• Vehicle battery

  

  Vehicle battery

  Cannot be recycled in kerbside collection. Leave with mechanic shop for recycling or take to special hazardous waste area at Green Island landfill for recycling. A fee will apply.

• Video and cassette tapes (VHS)

  

  see Tapes

• Washing machines

  

  see Whiteware

• Wax candles

  

  Wax candles

  Cannot be recycled in kerbside collection. Give to someone else to use. Donate to charity store or Rummage shop. Put in rubbish if no other option.

• Weeds

  

  see Garden waste and grass

• Whiteware

  

  Dishwasher, washing machine, oven, fridges and freezers

  If in good working order sell or donate for reuse. Can be recycled by scrap metal dealers. At the Green Island landfill transfer station there is free drop off for household whiteware items. Items containing refrigerants are degassed and then sent for scrap recovery.

  Please talk to a member of the Rummage shop team before dropping off. Please note commercial loads will not be accepted. Choose good quality and energy efficient white goods that can last a long time.

  When making a new purchase ask the retailer if they will take your old one for recycling. You could choose to buy a secondhand replacement.

• Window frame

  

  Window frame

  Cannot be recycled in kerbside collection. Take to demolition yard, to the Rummage shop or sell.

• Window glass (unbroken)

  

  Window glass (unbroken)

  Cannot be recycled in kerbside collection. Take to demolition yard, to the Rummage shop or sell.

• Wooden pallets

  

  Wooden pallets

  Cannot be recycled in the kerbside collection. If in good condition could be reused by a commercial operator. Make something else from the timber.

• Wool yarn

  

  Wool yarn

  Cannot be recycled in the kerbside collection. Some charity stores may take woollen yarn to sell on. Pass on to someone else who could use it.

• Worn out clothes and rags

  

  Worn out clothes and rags

  Cannot be recycled in the kerbside collection and should be put in the rubbish.

• Wrapping paper

  

  see Paper (non shredded)

• Yoghurt pottles #1, #2 and #5 only

  

  Yoghurt pottles #1, #2 and #5 only

  Can be recycled in the kerbside collection. Rinse out any residual.

Kerbside recycling and rubbish guide and translations