Step 1

We consume 3 times more bottles and cans over the holidays and in seaside areas it’s an additional 400%. If you’re going away, check what the local arrangements are.

www.mfe.govt.nz/lovenz

97% of New Zealanders have access to facilities to recycle paper, glass, cans and plastics 1 and 2 so there is no excuse for not separating products for recycling from household waste.

Step 2

You can recycle:

Paper, glass, metals (food tins, drink cans, jar lids, wine bottle screw tops) plastic bottles of types 1 and 2 (and in many places 1-7). 

Step 3

Organise household bins.

Put three bins in your kitchen or storage area: one for recyclables, one for compostable vegetable waste and one for general waste. 

Step 4

Recycle more packaging more often. New Zealanders consumed 735,000 tonnes of packaging last year but we only recycled 58% of it. We can and must do better.

Did you know that one recycled aluminium can saves enough energy to run a television for three hours?

Recycling steel cans to make new cans uses 75% less energy and around half the water.

Step 5

Make a Difference by saying no. Use a reusable shopping bag when you go out to do all your grocery shopping.  Only use a plastic bag if you really need to and if you do take one, re-use it.

On average every New Zealander uses around 155 bags each a year.

Step 6

Recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Did you know using recycled products is also better for the environment because it uses less energy and emits fewer greenhouse gas emissions?

The amount of packaging we recycle each year is the equivalent of taking more than 56,000 cars off the road! 

Step 7

Be clean and conserve space. Rinse out bottles and cans so it’s more pleasant for the recycling operators. Squash plastic containers and cans to save space. Remember, metal lids on jars and wine bottle screw tops will recycle as well as they are made from steel or aluminium,but remember to take them off!

Step 8

Reuse or recycle your greeting cards. New Zealanders send around 225 million cards every year.  Your paper collector will recycle your old cards. Wrapping paper can be flattened and reused or recycled.

Step 9

Recycle cardboard gift and toy boxes. Flatten and recycle boxes.

Did you know that 78% of paper and cardboard is recycled in New Zealand and that is one of the best records in the world?

Step 10

It’s not just packaging which can be recycled – there are collection points around for used batteries, print cartridges and old mobiles and paint – just ask your local council.

Step 11

Recycle your green waste and kitchen waste.  23% of our landfills is organic waste which could be composted.  If you can't compost at home, check with your local council if they collect.  Alternatively, contact your local transfer station or garden bag operator.

Did you know that when organic waste decomposes in a landfill, it creates the greenhouse gas methane, which has a global warming potential about 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide?

Step 12

Make a resolution to reduce, reuse and recycle even more. If we all do our bit New Zealand WILL remain clean and green