Local Recycling Information

In addition to Council recycling schemes, there are other ways to reduce, re-use and recycle waste.

Frequently Asked Recycling Questions

Below are answers to the 10 most frequently asked recycling questions for additional help to divert waste from landfill.

How much is recycled from Hurunui, where does it go and what happens to empty recycling bags?

In 21/22, 1,962 tonnes from Hurunui were recycled and 3,792 tonnes disposed of to landfill. Glass is used in roading and metal recycled in Christchurch. Card, paper, food and drink cans, plastic bottles and rigid containers (1, 2 and 5) are processed at EcoCentral Recycling at EcoCentral is audited and last year the average contamination rate was 1.91%

Empty recycling bags are recyclable via the Agrecovery LDPE bag recycling scheme providing they are clean and dry

Why can't soft plastics be recycled?

Soft plastics are not recyclable via the kerbside collections or transfer stations, but can be recycled via the Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme in Rangiora and Christchurch.

What types of green waste can be recycled in Hurunui?

Green waste recycled via Amberley, Cheviot and Hanmer Springs transfer stations is mulched, so must be free of non-acceptable materials. Grass is not accepted, as it may have been sprayed, plus creates a fire risk when it heats in storage.

Is polystyrene recyclable?

Via the transfer stations, polystyrene is not recyclable, but the household polystyrene recycling scheme is free at some hardware stores.

Can you recycle aerosol cans?

Aerosol cans are recyclable via any transfer station, just drop them off to the scrap metal area or put in the recycling bins.

Are lightbulbs and lighting tubes recyclable?

Light bulbs and tubes can be recycled via any transfer station by handing them to the staff. For safety, broken ones are not accepted.

How much does it cost to recycle whiteware in Hurunui?

At Amberley transfer station, whiteware is accepted for free. At all other sites, there is a per item charge to cover the cost of transportation to Amberley.

Can e-waste be recycled in Hurunui e.g. unwanted printers, computers or cell phones?

All transfer stations accept e-waste for recycling, but there is a per item charge to cover dismantling and recycling . Cell phones can be recycled for free via the Re:mobile Project using their Freepost address.

Can batteries be recycled in Hurunui?

In Hurunui, vehicle batteries are accepted for recycling via all transfer stations (excludes EV batteries - contact vehicle manufacturer for assistance with these).

Household batteries are also accepted for recycling and drop off points are available at several locations in Hurunui.

Does Council collect any items for charity via the transfer stations?

A number of items are accepted via the transfer stations for charity. Council also encourages the community to support local Op shops to divert re-useable items from landfill.