Recycling

Most New Zealanders have access to recycling facilities, with most urban areas offering kerbside collection.

The main recyclable products in New Zealand are paper and cardboard, glass bottles and jars, aluminium, steel and plastic (types 1 and 2 - check the number on the bottom of the container). Other plastics can also be recycled in some areas. Your local council has more information on what can be recycled in your area.

As well as recycling, consider buying products made from recycled materials. Buying products with recycled content creates the demand for them and keeps recycling economically viable.

Did you know?

One recycled aluminium beverage can saves enough electricity to run a computer or a TV for three hours.

The percentages of energy saved by using recycled rather than raw materials to manufacture are:

• Glass 40%
• Newspaper 40%
• Steel 60%
• Plastic 70%
• Aluminium 95% (75% when recycled back into aluminium beverage cans)

Most councils offer kerbside recycling or recycling facilities for:

• Paper
• Glass
• Cans
• Plastic grades 1 and 2
  Note: Some councils recycle plastic grades 3 – 7.

Contact your local council for more information on local recycling.