Palmerston North

♻️

Waste Management

City services for rubbish collection, recycling, and waste disposal in Palmerston North.

Sections

1. Categories of Waste

Waste in Palmerston North is divided into several categories to ensure proper disposal and recycling:

  • General Waste (Rubbish): Non-recyclable and non-compostable household waste.
  • Recyclables: Items that can be recycled, such as paper, cardboard, glass bottles, cans, and certain plastics.
  • Organic Waste (Food and Garden Waste): Compostable materials, including food scraps, garden clippings, and other biodegradable waste.
  • Hazardous Waste: Items like batteries, chemicals, paint, and e-waste (electronics).
  • Bulk Waste: Large items such as furniture, appliances, and construction debris.

2. Collection Schedules

Palmerston North operates a kerbside collection system for general waste, recyclables, and organic waste. The collection schedule is as follows:

  • General Waste (Red-Lidded Bin): Collected fortnightly.
  • Recycling (Yellow-Lidded Bin): Collected fortnightly, alternating with general waste.
  • Organic Waste (Green-Lidded Bin): Collected weekly.

To find the specific collection day for your address, you can use the Palmerston North City Council (PNCC) online collection day finder tool on their website.

3. Recycling Initiatives

Palmerston North has a strong focus on recycling to reduce landfill waste. Key points include:

  • Accepted Recyclables:

    • Paper and cardboard (flattened).
    • Glass bottles and jars (clean and unbroken).
    • Plastics numbered 1, 2, and 5 (check the recycling symbol on the item).
    • Aluminum and steel cans (clean and empty).

  • Non-Recyclable Items:

    • Soft plastics (e.g., plastic bags, cling wrap).
    • Polystyrene.
    • Broken glass or ceramics.

  • Recycling Drop-Off Points: If you have excess recyclables, you can take them to designated recycling drop-off points around the city.

4. Costs and Fees

The waste management system in Palmerston North is funded through rates (local taxes) and user-pays systems for certain services. Here’s a breakdown of costs:

  • Kerbside Collection:

    • The cost of kerbside collection is included in your property rates.
    • Additional bins or replacement bins may incur a fee.

  • Transfer Station Fees:

    • General waste: Approximately NZD $20–$30 per carload (prices vary by weight and type of waste).
    • Green waste: Cheaper than general waste, around NZD $10–$15 per carload.
    • Recycling: Free for accepted recyclable materials.

  • Special Waste Disposal:

    • Hazardous waste and e-waste may have specific fees depending on the item.

5. Local Procedures

Palmerston North has specific procedures to ensure waste is managed effectively:

  • Bin Placement: Place bins on the kerbside by 7:30 AM on collection day. Ensure the lid is closed, and the bin is not overfilled.
  • Bin Contamination: Avoid placing non-recyclable items in the recycling bin, as contaminated bins may not be collected.
  • Organic Waste: Only compostable materials should go into the green-lidded bin. Avoid placing plastic bags or non-biodegradable items in this bin.

6. Waste Transfer Stations and Disposal Sites

Palmerston North has facilities for waste disposal and recycling for items that cannot be collected kerbside:

  • Awapuni Resource Recovery Park:

    • Location: 126 Maxwell’s Line, Palmerston North.
    • Services: General waste disposal, green waste, recycling drop-off, and hazardous waste disposal.
    • Hours: Open daily (except public holidays), typically from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
    • Fees: Charges vary based on the type and volume of waste.

  • E-Waste Disposal:

    • E-waste (e.g., old computers, TVs, and appliances) can be dropped off at designated e-waste recycling centers in the city. Fees may apply.

  • Hazardous Waste Disposal:

    • Hazardous waste (e.g., chemicals, paint, and batteries) must be taken to the Awapuni Resource Recovery Park or other approved facilities. Contact the council for guidance on safe disposal.

7. Community Considerations

Palmerston North residents are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices to reduce waste:

  • Composting: Many residents use home composting systems for food and garden waste. The council occasionally offers workshops and subsidies for compost bins.
  • Soft Plastics Recycling: While not accepted in kerbside bins, soft plastics can be recycled at designated collection points in supermarkets.
  • Education Programs: The council runs educational campaigns to promote waste reduction, recycling, and proper bin use.

8. Contact Information

For further assistance or specific inquiries, you can contact the Palmerston North City Council:

By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage your waste in Palmerston North while contributing to the city’s sustainability goals. Let me know if you need further clarification or additional information!