Recycling bin detectives on the beat

Recycling “detectives” will be making sure rubbish or plastic bags aren’t in Manukau’s new recycling wheelie bins.

The recycling wheelie bins are replacing the current green crates, with a new fortnightly collection beginning on 30 June. The 240 litre bins will allow people to put a wider range of recycling in the same bin. This includes paper and cardboard, plastic containers and bottles, glass jars and bottles, tins and cans.

When the new service begins a team will be going ahead of collection trucks checking the recycling wheelie bins. If they discover rubbish, plastic bags, or anything else that can’t be recycled a sticker will be put on the bin so the truck doesn’t empty it.

Residents will also be left a reminder about what can and can’t go in the recycling wheelie bins.

Manukau City Council Senior Environmental Policy Analyst Patricia Facenfield says the wheelie bins are for recycling only - no rubbish, plastic bags, kitchen or garden waste should be put in them.

“We hope that people don’t put rubbish in the wheelie bins and remember they’re for recycling only.

“But these recycling detectives will help us avoid any rubbish or plastic bags being collected with recycling. It will also give residents another reminder that the wheelie bins are for recycling only.

“The facility sorting the recycling will also take out items that can’t be recycled, but we want to stop rubbish or plastic bags getting in the wheelie bins.”

Residents used to putting out newspapers or other recycling in plastic bags should also remember not to do this when the new collection begins. Paper and cardboard can go straight in the recycling wheelie bin.

They should also check the collection calendar delivered with the bin to make sure they know what day and which fortnight their recycling will be collected.

The aim of the new service is to make it easier for Manukau people to recycle more. It is expected to increase the volume of recycling by between 15 and 25 per cent.

What can go in the recycling wheelie bin?

Paper and cardboard

Plastic containers and bottles numbered 1 to 7

Tins and cans

Glass jars and bottles

Clean aluminium foil trays/plates

Empty aerosols.

What can’t go in the recycling wheelie bin?

Rubbish

Plastic bags or plastic food wrap

Kitchen or garden waste

Nappies.

ENDS

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