Waste and recycling

Household waste and recycling

What can I do to reduce waste?

There are some very simple steps that we can all take to reduce the environmental impact of our waste:

Reduce

  • avoid single use , poorly made or "throw away" goods
  • choose quality products with minimal packaging
  • choose products with recyclable packaging or take the packaging back to the store where you bought the product
  • buy NZ made products - you know they meet good environmental production standards
  • choose products made from recycled materials
  • buy long lasting kitchen utensils, household products, toys and clothing
  • buy products which can be repaired rather than needing to be thrown away when they break
  • reduce packaging by buying in bulk.

Reuse

  • join the Freecycle network or utilise a trading site to buy and sell used goods.
  • buy a second-hand item - it will be cheaper and still do the job
  • re-use containers such as glass jars for storage
  • use your own bags and say "no" to plastic bags when shopping
  • mend broken appliances and furniture whenever possible
  • take old books, magazines and toys to hospitals, surgeries or schools
  • take used items of clothing to op shops and local jumble sales

Dispose of waste correctly

Waste and recycling initiatives and information

  • Freecycle - an Auckland-wide group covering the whole of the Auckland region where people 'give' their old/unwanted items to others who want them and old items are reused by the new owner instead of throwing it into the landfill.
  • Donate NZ - get rid of your unwanted stuff to a good home, support your local community and help save the environment!
  • School education programmes - find out more about school sustainability education programmes.
  • Zero Waste - provides information on products made from recycled materials in New Zealand.

Local council kerbside recycling information

There are 7 territorial councils in the Auckland region.  You can find further information on their websites.