Rural residents are provided with two bins, and collection is fortnightly. For Te Awamutu and most Cambridge residents, recycling is the same day as the rubbish collection. To find out when your collection day will be, click here.

Who is eligible to get a recycling bin?

Council set a targeted rate to fund the provision of a kerbside recycling service to each household in the District. Schools and kindergartens can contact Council to join the recycling programme. Contact Council’s Customer Support team to check your eligibility.

Who is not eligible to get a recycling bin?

Council is considering whether the service could extend to businesses and other activities in the district. Businesses, clubs and the like can take small quantities of recyclables to transfer stations in Cambridge and Te Awamutu. For large quantities, please contact Smart Environmental (09 259 4500) who may be able to offer a regular service to meet your needs.

How does kerbside recycling work?

Recyclables go into the specially marked blue 55 litre bin. On your nominated day put the bin out on the kerbside (residential areas) or on the roadside, preferably beside your letterbox if it is visible from the road (rural areas), by 7.00am. Our recycling contractors will empty the contents of the bin and leave the empty bin at the kerbside/roadside or letter box if in a rural area.

I live in the rural area, and the road I live on is too narrow for the recycling truck to access. What do I do?

If the rural road you live on is too narrow for the recycling truck to access, on your nominated collection day drop your bins off on the corner of your road, and it will be collected from there.

My bin has gone missing or has been stolen. What should I do?

Replacement bins are available from the Council offices at a cost of $20 per bin. We also ask you to report the stolen bin to the Police.

Will I keep my recycling bin forever?

The recycling bin belongs to your property. If you leave that property, please leave the bin for the next resident to use. There is a place on the bin to write your property address if it is not already on it. Bins do deteriorate from wear and tear over time, and replacement bins can be purchased from Council offices. If a bin is not at the property please contact Council to purchase a new bin.

What can I recycle?

· Drink, food and empty aerosol cans

· Clean plastic containers and bottles (recycle numbers 1-7, excluding polystyrene and plastic bags)

· Whole bottles and jars

· Clean newspapers, cardboard and magazines

Refer to the information on this website or contact Council offices.

What cannot be recycled?

· Waxed or plastic coated paper/cardboard, such as drink cartons

· Plastic bags/wrapping, polystyrene and other plastic without a recycle symbol

· Window glass, broken glass, light bulbs, crystal, drinking glasses and mirrors

· Containers used for engine oil, fuel, solvents, paints, poison, etc

· Organic waste, e.g. food scraps and lawn clippings – these can be composted

Please ensure all items are washed out and clean. The collector will sticker any bin that has non-recyclable/unwashed items and leave the bin uncollected.

Refer to the information on this website or contact Council offices.

Do I need to sort the things that I recycle?

No. Everything goes into the bin together except for paper/cardboard, which should be tied in a bundle or placed in a cardboard box beside the bin. We recommend that you put the lighter things e.g. flattened plastic bottles, at the bottom of the bin to prevent them from blowing away.

What if I have too much for one bin?

The recycling collectors will only pick up what is inside the bin, (excluding bundled/tied paper). Please do not overfill your bin. Rather, save it for the next collection or take it to the transfer station.

I have seen people taking items from recycling bins. Is this allowed?

No. Strictly speaking that is theft. Please notify the Council if you see anybody tampering with the recycling bins.

How am I charged for the recycling service?

The targeted rate is a fixed amount per separately used or inhabited part of a rating unit. A rate of $50.70 plus GST, is set for every separately used or inhabited part of a rating unit.

I do not recycle and do not want the recycling charge added to my rates. What can I do?

The recycling service is only possible if every household (rate payer) in the Waipa District contributes and the service will be available to every household. This also encourages Waipa residents to be environmentally conscious and reduce the refuse going to the landfill.

When will we know how much it will cost annually for this service?

The estimated future annual charges are shown in the 10-year Plan (the Long Term Council Community Plan or LTCCP), which is available for viewing or downloading from Council’s website or it can be read at Council's offices. Any changes in these charges will be included in the draft Annual Plan and subject to public consultation. The draft Annual Plan or confirmed Annual Plan can also be viewed on the website or at Council’s offices.

I’ve just moved into a newly built home. Who do I contact to get a bin and start recycling?

Phone 08004RECYCLE (0800 473 292) and Council’s customer support team will advise you of your recycling bin entitlements and charges. The contractor will be advised by Council to start collecting from your new property on the next collection date. Recycling bins can be collected from Council’s offices. Please bring your rating information or property details with you.

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