Make sure these 10 items go in your recycling bin every time

Publish Date : 09 Jan 2023

Most Aucklanders are good recyclers, but it's easy to get confused about how to 'recycle right'.

Just because something has a recycling symbol on it, doesn’t always mean it can be recycled. 

Play the Recycle Right game to test your knowledge and see if you know what is supposed to go in your recycling bin.

Once you've played the game, check out the list below. To help you get it right every time, we've highlighted 10 items that should always make it into your Auckland Council kerbside recycling bin.

Plastic Biscuit Trays 

Could not render component of type: imageGalleryGridWidget
This likely happened because the partial view blockgrid/Components/imageGalleryGridWidget could not be found.

Throw the plastic trays from cakes, biscuits, and crackers in your recycling bin. The soft plastic on the outside cannot be recycled at the kerb and needs to be taken to a specialty recycler. Look for a bin at your local retailer.

Plastic Meat Trays

Could not render component of type: imageGalleryGridWidget
This likely happened because the partial view blockgrid/Components/imageGalleryGridWidget could not be found.

Don’t confuse these with polystyrene trays.

Plastic Takeaway Containers

Could not render component of type: imageGalleryGridWidget
This likely happened because the partial view blockgrid/Components/imageGalleryGridWidget could not be found.

Remember to rinse the container first.

Plastic Bottles

Could not render component of type: imageGalleryGridWidget
This likely happened because the partial view blockgrid/Components/imageGalleryGridWidget could not be found.

Keep your lids on.

Glass Bottles

Could not render component of type: imageGalleryGridWidget
This likely happened because the partial view blockgrid/Components/imageGalleryGridWidget could not be found.

Chuck them in the recycling or clean them out and use them again.

Cardboard

Could not render component of type: imageGalleryGridWidget
This likely happened because the partial view blockgrid/Components/imageGalleryGridWidget could not be found.

Remember to flatten your cardboard.

Aluminium Can         

Could not render component of type: imageGalleryGridWidget
This likely happened because the partial view blockgrid/Components/imageGalleryGridWidget could not be found.

Please do not squash your aluminium cans.

Tins

Could not render component of type: imageGalleryGridWidget
This likely happened because the partial view blockgrid/Components/imageGalleryGridWidget could not be found.

Both the lid and the container can go in your recycling bin.

Tetra Pak

Could not render component of type: imageGalleryGridWidget
This likely happened because the partial view blockgrid/Components/imageGalleryGridWidget could not be found.

Soy milk containers, juice boxes, you name it.

Used Pizza Box

Could not render component of type: imageGalleryGridWidget
This likely happened because the partial view blockgrid/Components/imageGalleryGridWidget could not be found.

The box can go in your recycling – but keep the leftover pizza out.

Over to you

Overall, a great rule of thumb to follow is that you can recycle most containers from your kitchen, bathroom and laundry. Just remember to rinse and leave lids on bottles and containers before placing them in the recycling bin.

If you’re unsure about whether an item can be recycled or not, check out our recycling search tool.

Test your recycling knowledge and find out more about recycling in Auckland by heading to recycleright.co.nz

Back to News