Trees are bursting into bloom and birds are building nests, which means it’s time to turn attention to our own nests and embrace the spirit of spring cleaning. Spruce up your home while looking after Papatūānuku (Mother Earth) by reducing, reusing and recycling.
Recycle at a community recycling centre
Repurposing and recycling unwanted items is easy when there are 12 community recycling centres (CRCs) across the region. Many of them accept most types of waste, including building materials, green waste, recyclable materials, general rubbish, household and commercial recycling. Some centres do charge a fee for particular items, so check before you go.
If you can’t make it to a CRC, your local op shop will take items that are in good condition – you can make a bit of extra cash by selling good-quality items on TradeMe or Facebook Marketplace.
Look up your local community recycling centre on Auckland Council’s website to find out what items they take.
What about hazardous items?
If you’re unsure of whether an item can be recycled, Auckland Council has a very handy page called “How to get rid of unwanted items” (bookmark it on your browser now!) where you can find out what to do with hundreds of different items.
Things like car batteries are considered hazardous because they can cause fires when left in rubbish and recycling bins. They can be recycled at Repco outlets or Computer Recycling e-waste facility in Penrose.
Book an inorganic pick-up
If you’ve got too much stuff to get rid of, have large items that are too big to take anywhere or you don’t have a car, you can book an inorganic pick-up. Most areas in the region is allocated one week a year where the council will collect up to one cubic metre of unwanted items from your home. All you need to do is look up your next collection date and book a pick-up, then leave items within your property boundary when the collection is due. Note that this excludes hazardous items or items that weigh more than 55kg. Make sure you check the rules beforehand.
Save money by reusing items
Think like our grandparents did and repurpose items where possible. Tatty old T-shirts and towels can be cut up and used as cleaning rags, and large plastic containers or buckets can be turned into planters for growing herbs or veges – just drill some drainage holes in the bottom. Save old socks or odd socks and pop them on your hands for cleaning blinds or polishing shoes.
Commit to consuming less
It's only when you have a big clear-out or have to move house that you realise just how much stuff you actually have. Extend the life of your possessions by learning how to repair them yourself so you don’t have to buy new ones. Different local boards across Auckland run repair cafes, where expert volunteers will help you repair things like clothing, bikes and even electronics. Check out OurAuckland for details of an upcoming event near you.
Clean up outside as well
You know it’s truly time for planting summer crops when the weeds get going. Most garden weeds are harmless and can be put into your compost bin. However, noxious weeds should be disposed of in your rubbish bin or taken to a transfer station that accepts green waste. If you’re unsure whether a weed is noxious or not, check out Pest Search. If you still can’t identify it, email a photo of the weed to the council.
Moth plant is one of Auckland’s most noxious weeds and the pods shouldn’t be put in your compost bin. Instead put them in your regular rubbish bin or drop them off at a transfer station that accepts green waste.
