Tauranga

♻️

Waste Management

Details about garbage collection, recycling services, and disposal of hazardous materials.

Sections

1. Categories of Waste Collection

Tauranga City Council (TCC) provides a kerbside waste collection service that includes the following categories:

a. General Waste (Rubbish)

  • Non-recyclable household waste is collected in a red-lidded bin.
  • This includes items that cannot be recycled or composted, such as soft plastics, hygiene products, and broken items.

b. Recycling

  • Recyclable materials are collected in a yellow-lidded bin.
  • Accepted items include:
    • Clean paper and cardboard
    • Plastics numbered 1, 2, and 5 (check the recycling symbol on the item)
    • Glass bottles and jars (clean and empty)
    • Aluminium and steel cans
  • Items must be clean and free of food residue.

c. Food Scraps

  • Food scraps are collected in a small green-lidded bin.
  • Accepted items include fruit and vegetable peels, meat, bones, dairy, bread, and other food waste.
  • Compostable liners are provided for this bin.

d. Garden Waste (Optional Service)

  • Garden waste (e.g., grass clippings, leaves, and small branches) can be collected through a private subscription service offered by local providers.
  • This is not included in the standard council service.

2. Costs and Fees

The kerbside waste collection service is funded through rates (local property taxes) and user-pays charges. Here’s a breakdown of costs:

a. Standard Service (2023 Rates)

  • The cost of the kerbside collection service is included in your annual rates bill if you own a property in Tauranga.
  • For tenants, the cost is typically factored into rent.

b. Additional Charges

  • If you require extra bins or additional collections, there may be extra fees. Contact the Tauranga City Council for specific pricing.

c. Private Services

  • Private companies offer additional services, such as garden waste collection or larger bins for businesses. Costs vary depending on the provider and service level.

3. Recycling Procedures

To ensure your recycling is collected and processed correctly, follow these guidelines:

  • Cleanliness: Rinse all recyclable items to remove food or liquid residue.
  • Sorting: Place only accepted items in the yellow-lidded bin. Non-recyclable items can contaminate the load and may result in the entire bin being rejected.
  • Glass: Glass bottles and jars can go in the yellow-lidded bin but must be clean and free of lids.
  • Soft Plastics: These are not accepted in kerbside recycling. Instead, drop them off at designated soft plastic recycling points (e.g., some supermarkets).

4. Collection Schedules

  • Frequency:
    • General waste (red-lidded bin) is collected fortnightly.
    • Recycling (yellow-lidded bin) is collected fortnightly, alternating with general waste.
    • Food scraps (green-lidded bin) are collected weekly.
  • Schedule:
    • Collection days vary by suburb. You can check your specific collection day on the Tauranga City Council website or by using their online "Bin Collection Day Finder" tool.
    • Ensure bins are placed kerbside by 7:00 AM on collection day.

5. Local Drop-Off Sites

If you have waste that cannot be collected kerbside, you can use local drop-off facilities:

a. Transfer Stations

  • Te Maunga Transfer Station (near Mount Maunganui)
    • Address: Truman Lane, Mount Maunganui
    • Services: General waste, green waste, and recycling drop-off.
  • Maleme Street Transfer Station (Greerton)
    • Address: 24 Maleme Street, Greerton
    • Services: General waste, green waste, and recycling drop-off.

b. Recycling Drop-Off Points

  • There are several community recycling drop-off points for items like soft plastics, e-waste, and hazardous materials. Check with local supermarkets or the Tauranga City Council for locations.

c. Hazardous Waste

  • Hazardous waste (e.g., batteries, chemicals, and paint) must be taken to designated facilities. Contact the council for advice on safe disposal.

6. Specific Local Considerations and Rules

  • Bin Placement: Ensure bins are placed on the kerb with the lid closed. Overfilled bins or bins with incorrect items may not be collected.
  • Public Holidays: Collection schedules may change during public holidays. Check the council website for updates.
  • Illegal Dumping: Dumping waste in unauthorized areas is illegal and can result in fines.
  • E-Waste and Large Items: For electronic waste (e.g., old TVs, computers) or large items (e.g., furniture), you’ll need to arrange drop-off at a transfer station or book a collection with a private provider.
  • Composting: Tauranga encourages home composting. Subsidized compost bins and worm farms are available through the council.

7. Sustainability Initiatives

Tauranga City Council is committed to reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Some initiatives include:

  • Waste Minimization Education: Workshops and resources are available to help residents reduce waste.
  • Love Food Hate Waste Campaign: Aims to reduce food waste through education and tips.
  • Community Recycling Programs: Support for local groups running recycling and upcycling projects.

8. Contact Information

For more information or assistance, you can contact:

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to manage your waste effectively and contribute to Tauranga’s sustainability goals. Let me know if you need further assistance!