Reduce, reuse, recycle
To find out about what you can and cannot put out in your regular recycling collection, see What you can put in your recycling.
Remember to:
- rinse and squash all containers
- remove lids from all bottles and containers and put these in your rubbish bin.
Containers should be no larger than 4l.
Other ways to reduce waste
- Reuse your plastic bags and containers.
- Buy items in bulk and avoid packaging you don't need.
- Avoid disposables - take your own reusable cup or drink bottle.
- Buy items loose and use refills.
Recycle child car seats
Recycle your child's car seat for $35 per seat through the SeatSmart scheme.
The seats are dismantled and the parts are recycled or repurposed.
For drop-off points where you can take the car seat, see the SeatSmart website.
E-waste product stewardship
Some manufacturers may take items back when you no longer want them, especially electronic waste such as TVs, computers and mobile phones.
An example of this is the Re:MOBILE programme, a disposal option for unwanted mobile handsets, supported by telecommunication companies.
Some electronic companies also include an end-of-life recycling service with your purchase.
Valuable and rare materials can be recovered from e-waste or recycled into new products.
Use donated materials for arts and DIY projects
The West Auckland Resource Centre (WARC) is a volunteer run charitable trust that provides recycled materials to educational and community groups.
They have suppliers who donate materials to them to minimise their business waste.
Examples of materials they provide are:
- ceramics and tiles
- haberdashery
- leather
- metal
- paper
- plastic containers
- vinyl
- wallpaper
- wood.
They ask for a cash donation for resources you take.
WARC is only open during the school term, closed on school holidays and public holiday weekends.
Opening hours during the school term are:
- Wednesdays, 12 noon-2pm
- Saturdays 10am-12 noon.
WARC is located behind New Lynn School in 2 Seabrook Avenue.
For more information, visit the West Auckland Resource Centre website.
Donate your unwanted goods
Sell, exchange, or donate unwanted furniture and goods.
Besides your local hospice, there are websites and social media communities where you can post about things you want to sell or give away.
Textile and other materials
You can take fabric and other materials for recycling to the North Shore Resource Centre.
The centre accepts donations of materials including:
- wool
- paper
- cardboard
- fabric
- beads
- feathers
- small, untreated pieces of wood.
They recycle factory textile off cuts as arts and crafts resources for education providers such as schools, play centres, kindergartens and home schoolers, as well as organisations like Brownies and Guides.
They ask for a cash donation for materials you take to them.
Contact details for the North Shore Resource Centre:
44 Mahara Avenue
Birkenhead
Auckland
021 078 6182
northshoreresource@gmail.com
Visit
North Shore Resource Centre website for more information.
Other disposal options
For other ways to get rid of unwanted goods, visit What you can put in your recycling.
