Wellington

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Waste and Recycling

General information on waste management and recycling systems in Wellington.

Sections

1. Categories of Waste in Wellington

Wellington City Council categorizes waste into several types to ensure proper disposal and recycling:

a. General Waste (Rubbish)

  • Non-recyclable and non-compostable waste.
  • Includes items like plastic bags, polystyrene, broken glass, and hygiene products.
  • Collected in official council rubbish bags or private wheelie bins.

b. Recycling

  • Divided into two main streams:
    1. Mixed Recycling: Includes paper, cardboard, glass bottles/jars, plastic containers (types 1, 2, and 5), and aluminum/tin cans.
    2. Glass Recycling: In some areas, glass is collected separately to ensure better recycling quality.

c. Organic Waste

  • Includes food scraps and garden waste.
  • Residents are encouraged to compost at home or use green waste collection services.

d. Hazardous Waste

  • Includes batteries, chemicals, paint, e-waste, and fluorescent light bulbs.
  • Requires special disposal at designated facilities.

e. Construction and Demolition Waste

  • Includes building materials, rubble, and other debris.
  • Must be taken to specific transfer stations or recycling facilities.

2. How the Recycling Process Works

Wellington has a kerbside recycling system and drop-off facilities to ensure materials are processed efficiently.

Kerbside Recycling Collection

  • Recycling Bins: Residents are provided with a yellow-lidded bin for mixed recycling and, in some areas, a separate crate for glass.
  • Collection Schedule: Recycling is collected weekly or fortnightly, depending on your area. Check the Wellington City Council website or app for your specific schedule.
  • Sorting: Residents must rinse containers and remove lids before placing items in the bin. Contaminated recycling (e.g., dirty or incorrect items) may not be collected.

Recycling Facilities

  • After collection, recyclables are taken to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), where they are sorted, baled, and sent to local or international markets for processing.

Composting

  • Organic waste can be composted at home using compost bins or worm farms. The council offers workshops and subsidies for composting equipment.

3. Costs Involved

The costs for waste and recycling services in Wellington vary depending on the type of service and provider.

a. Rubbish Collection

  • Council Rubbish Bags: Official bags must be purchased for kerbside rubbish collection. Prices are approximately:
    • $14–$16 for a pack of five 60L bags.
  • Private Wheelie Bins: Private companies like Waste Management and EnviroWaste offer wheelie bin services. Costs depend on bin size and frequency of collection.

b. Recycling

  • Kerbside recycling is included in your rates (property taxes) and does not incur additional costs for most residents.

c. Green Waste Collection

  • Private companies offer green waste collection services for a fee, typically around $100–$200 per year, depending on the bin size and frequency.

d. Hazardous Waste Disposal

  • Some hazardous waste disposal services are free (e.g., household batteries at designated drop-off points), while others may incur a fee (e.g., e-waste recycling).

4. Local Procedures

To ensure smooth waste and recycling management, follow these procedures:

a. Rubbish Collection

  • Use only official council rubbish bags or approved private bins.
  • Place bags/bins on the kerbside by 7:30 AM on collection day.

b. Recycling

  • Ensure items are clean and dry.
  • Do not include non-recyclable items (e.g., soft plastics, polystyrene, or food-contaminated materials).
  • Flatten cardboard boxes to save space.

c. Hazardous Waste

  • Drop off hazardous waste at designated facilities like the Southern Landfill or specific collection points for items like batteries and e-waste.

d. Large or Bulky Items

  • For items like furniture or appliances, you can book a special collection through the council or take them to the landfill.

5. Local Waste and Recycling Sites

Wellington has several facilities for waste disposal and recycling. Here are the key locations:

a. Southern Landfill

  • Location: Landfill Road, Owhiro Bay.
  • Services: General waste disposal, green waste drop-off, hazardous waste disposal, and recycling.
  • Hours: Open daily (except Christmas Day) from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Fees: Charges depend on the type and volume of waste. For example:
    • General waste: $10–$20 per carload.
    • Green waste: $5–$10 per carload.

b. Recycling Drop-Off Points

  • Several drop-off points are available for residents who cannot access kerbside recycling. Examples include:
    • Karori: Karori Park car park.
    • Tawa: Outlet City car park.
  • These sites accept mixed recycling and, in some cases, glass.

c. E-Waste Recycling

  • Sustainability Trust: Located in central Wellington, this organization accepts e-waste, batteries, and other items for recycling (fees may apply).
  • Remarkit: Another option for e-waste recycling.

d. Soft Plastics Recycling

  • Soft plastics (e.g., plastic bags, wrappers) are not accepted in kerbside recycling but can be dropped off at participating supermarkets as part of the Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme.

6. Specific Considerations

  • Weather: Wellington is known for its windy weather, so secure your rubbish and recycling bins to prevent littering.
  • Contamination: Incorrect items in recycling bins can lead to entire loads being sent to landfill. Always check the council’s guidelines if unsure.
  • Community Initiatives: Wellington has several community-led initiatives, such as repair cafes and zero-waste workshops, to help reduce waste.
  • Education: The council provides resources and workshops to educate residents about waste reduction and proper recycling practices.

7. Tips for New Residents

  • Download the Wellington City Council app to check collection schedules and receive updates.
  • Familiarize yourself with the council’s waste and recycling guidelines to avoid fines or missed collections.
  • Consider joining local sustainability groups to learn more about waste reduction and recycling in the community.

By following these guidelines, you can contribute to Wellington’s goal of reducing waste and promoting a cleaner, greener city. Let me know if you need further assistance!