Christchurch

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Waste and Recycling

Information about waste collection, recycling services, and environmental sustainability programs in Christchurch.

Sections

1. Waste and Recycling Categories in Christchurch

Christchurch City Council (CCC) operates a three-bin kerbside collection system for residents, which is color-coded for easy identification. Each bin is designated for specific types of waste:

a. Yellow Bin (Recycling)

  • Accepted Items:
    • Paper and cardboard (clean and dry)
    • Glass bottles and jars (rinsed, lids removed)
    • Plastic containers and bottles labeled with recycling numbers 1, 2, and 5 (rinsed, lids removed)
    • Aluminum and steel cans (rinsed)
  • Not Accepted:
    • Soft plastics (e.g., plastic bags, cling wrap)
    • Polystyrene
    • Food or organic waste
    • Broken glass or ceramics

b. Green Bin (Organics)

  • Accepted Items:
    • Food scraps (including meat, bones, and dairy)
    • Garden waste (e.g., grass clippings, leaves, small branches)
    • Compostable packaging (certified compostable only)
  • Not Accepted:
    • Plastic bags (even if labeled biodegradable)
    • Soil, rocks, or large branches
    • Non-compostable packaging

c. Red Bin (General Waste)

  • Accepted Items:
    • Non-recyclable and non-compostable waste
    • Soft plastics
    • Polystyrene
    • Sanitary items (e.g., nappies, wipes)
  • Not Accepted:
    • Hazardous waste (e.g., batteries, chemicals)
    • E-waste (e.g., electronics, appliances)

2. Costs and Associated Charges

Residential Properties:

  • The cost of waste collection is included in the rates (property taxes) paid by homeowners. This covers the three-bin system.
  • Additional charges apply if you need extra bins or larger bin sizes:
    • Red Bin: $143.50 per year for an extra bin
    • Yellow Bin: $86.50 per year for an extra bin
    • Green Bin: $143.50 per year for an extra bin

Businesses:

  • Businesses are not included in the residential kerbside collection system. They must arrange private waste and recycling services through commercial providers.
  • Costs vary depending on the provider and the volume of waste generated.

3. Procedures for Residents

Kerbside Collection:

  • Bins are collected on a weekly or fortnightly schedule:
    • Green Bin: Weekly
    • Yellow Bin: Fortnightly
    • Red Bin: Fortnightly
  • Collection days vary by neighborhood. You can check your collection schedule on the Christchurch City Council website or via the CCC mobile app.

Sorting Rules:

  • Items must be placed loose in the bins (no plastic bags).
  • Ensure recyclables are clean and dry to avoid contamination.
  • Incorrectly sorted bins may not be collected, and repeated contamination can result in fines.

Disposal of Hazardous Waste:

  • Hazardous waste (e.g., batteries, chemicals, paint) must not go in any of the bins. These items can be taken to the EcoDrop Recycling Centres (see below).

4. Procedures for Businesses

  • Businesses must contract private waste management companies for their waste and recycling needs.
  • Many providers offer tailored services, including bin hire, collection schedules, and recycling options.
  • Businesses are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices, such as separating recyclables and organics from general waste.

5. Local Sites and Facilities

Christchurch has several facilities for waste disposal and recycling beyond the kerbside collection system:

EcoDrop Recycling Centres:

  • Locations:
    • EcoDrop Metro Place (Bromley)
    • EcoDrop Parkhouse Road (Sockburn)
    • EcoDrop Styx Mill Road (Redwood)
  • Services:
    • Drop-off for general waste, green waste, and recyclables
    • Hazardous waste disposal (e.g., batteries, chemicals, e-waste)
    • Reusable items can be donated to the EcoShop (a second-hand store operated by CCC).

EcoShop:

  • Located at 191 Blenheim Road, Riccarton.
  • Sells second-hand goods salvaged from the EcoDrop facilities, promoting reuse and reducing waste.

6. Specific Guidelines and Restrictions

Contamination Rules:

  • Contamination occurs when incorrect items are placed in the wrong bin. For example:
    • Food scraps in the yellow bin
    • Soft plastics in the green bin
  • Contaminated bins may not be collected, and repeated offenses can lead to fines.

Soft Plastics Recycling:

  • Soft plastics (e.g., plastic bags, wrappers) cannot go in the yellow bin. However, they can be recycled through the Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme, available at participating supermarkets and stores.

E-Waste Disposal:

  • E-waste (e.g., old computers, TVs, phones) must be taken to an EcoDrop Recycling Centre or a specialized e-waste recycling facility.

Bulky Items:

  • Large items (e.g., furniture, appliances) cannot be placed in kerbside bins. These can be taken to an EcoDrop or donated if in good condition.

Illegal Dumping:

  • Dumping waste illegally is prohibited and can result in fines. Use the EcoDrop facilities or arrange for proper disposal.

7. Sustainability and Community Initiatives

Christchurch is committed to reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Some initiatives include:

  • Love Food Hate Waste Campaign: Encourages residents to reduce food waste through better planning and storage.
  • Composting Workshops: Free or low-cost workshops to teach residents how to compost at home.
  • Community Recycling Stations: Located in public areas for small recyclables like batteries, light bulbs, and mobile phones.

8. Tips for Visitors and New Residents

  • Familiarize yourself with the bin system and collection schedule for your area.
  • If you're renting, ask your landlord or property manager about bin sizes and collection days.
  • Use the CCC website or app to check for updates, report missed collections, or find nearby recycling facilities.
  • Participate in local sustainability programs to reduce your environmental footprint.

By following these guidelines, you can contribute to Christchurch's waste management goals and help keep the city clean and green. If you have further questions, the Christchurch City Council website (www.ccc.govt.nz) is an excellent resource, or you can contact their customer service team directly.