Where do you take that old mattress or the garden tool you don’t use anymore? Give it a second life by taking it to your local community recycling centre and turn what could have been waste into a valuable resource. From timber with nails to tyres, here are 10 surprising things you can recycle or reuse at your local CRC instead of sending them to landfill – and help Auckland get closer to zero waste.
1. Mattresses
Yes, those bulky mattresses can be recycled so don’t dump them. Specialist recyclers break them down into components like steel springs, foam, and fabric, which are repurposed into new products. Tip: Check your local CRC – most accept mattresses, but not all.
2. Construction and demolition materials
Timber offcuts, bricks, tiles, and joinery don’t need to go to waste. Many CRCs accept these for reuse in community projects or resale. Even timber with nails can be dropped off – some centres will de-nail and prepare it for reuse. Perfect for DIY enthusiasts hunting for bargains!
3. Bathroom and kitchen fittings
Old taps, pipes, sinks, and even vanities can find new homes. Instead of sending them to landfill, drop them at a CRC where they can be salvaged and reused.
4. Tools and garden shed stuff
Got a box of random screws, spanners, or gardening tools? CRCs love these! They’re sorted and sold at affordable prices, helping others tackle their projects without buying new.
5. Furniture
From chairs to coffee tables, furniture is one of the most dumped items – but it doesn’t have to be. Many CRCs refurbish or resell furniture, giving it a second life in someone else’s home.
6. Textiles and clothing
Clothing, curtains, rugs, and bedding can be reused or upcycled. Instead of sending them to landfill, bring them to a CRC where they’ll be sorted for resale or repurposing.
7. Whiteware appliances
Fridges, washing machines, and ovens often end up dumped illegally. CRCs can take these appliances for recycling or repair, recovering valuable metals and components.
8. Tyres
Thanks to Tyrewise, you can drop off up to five tyres for free at Waitākere Resource Recovery Park and Waiheke Community Resource Recovery Park. These waste tyres become fuel for the Golden Bay Cement plant. So, make sure your old tyres are used for good and don’t end up polluting our natural environment. Tip: Dropping your tyres at other CRCs may incur a small charge.
9. Polystyrene and soft plastics
These tricky materials don’t belong in your kerbside bin, but CRCs can handle them. Polystyrene is compacted and recycled, while soft plastics are sent to specialist processors.
10. Green waste including fibrous
Garden clippings, branches, and even fibrous green waste can be composted or mulched. Fibrous green waste including flax, palms, yucca, cabbage trees and bamboo can be transformed into a dense mulch. Some CRCs accept fibrous material – check before you go.
Bonus tip: handy finds
Outdoor gear, sporting goods, bicycles, and even toys often turn up at CRCs so while you’re there giving that old item a new life, check out what else is on offer. Or if you have any of these items to bring in, if they’re in good condition, they’re cleaned and sold, supporting local reuse initiatives.
Before you chuck it, ask: could this have a second life? Check your items are valid via the main Auckland Council website for potential reuse and recycling options.
If you would like to find out what your nearest CRC accepts please visit Community recycling centres on the Auckland Council website.
