New recycling and rubbish bins to be delivered

The Invercargill City Council will be delivering new recycling and rubbish bins to all residents in Invercargill and Bluff during the next three weeks.

Invercargill City Council Waste Minimisation Officer Donna Peterson said Sulo Talbot would begin delivering the new bins from Monday (May 16) onwards.

“We are asking for a little patience, as we have 42,000 wheelie bins to deliver and it will take about three to four weeks to get them to everyone.

“The yellow recycling bins will be delivered separately from the red rubbish bins, and they may not be delivered on the same day. If you haven’t received your new bins by June 17, please call us on 0800 501 777,” Ms Peterson said.

Council is introducing a new recycling and rubbish collection service, which will start in the week beginning 4 July 2011.

Ms Peterson said each property would receive two new wheelie bins, one for rubbish (red lid) and one for recycling (yellow lid).

The red rubbish bin will be emptied every week and the yellow recycling bin will be emptied every fortnight.

It is important that people do not put the new bins out for collection before the 4 July, as they will not be emptied before then, she said.

Ms Peterson said an information pack would also be delivered with the new bins to tell people how to use the new service, what items could go in each bin, where to place the bin for collection, and which week to put out the yellow recycling bin, which is a fortnightly service unlike the rubbish which is weekly.

“We ask people to please take the time to read this information on how to use the new bins.”

Ms Peterson said the two new bins would be delivered between May 16 and June 10 and if anyone did not receive the two new bins by June 17 then please call Council on the free phone number 0800 501 777.

“Please continue to use the old green wheelie bin and recycle crate, as the new service does not start until 4 July. The existing green wheelie bin belongs to the contractor (Bond Contracts Ltd), who will collect it during the last week of the old service (June 27 to July 1). After that week, only yellow recycling or red rubbish bins will be emptied.”

Ms Peterson said people were welcome to keep the recycle crate to use for other purposes around the home.

For more information check out the frequently asked questions by going to www.wastenet.org.nz or call Council on free phone 0800 501 777 if you have any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions


What is the new recycling and rubbish service?

Invercargill City Council is introducing a new kerbside collection service for recycling and rubbish for households and businesses. The new service uses two wheelie bins, and will replace the existing wheelie bin and recycle crate.


Why is the Council changing its service?

To provide a simple, cost effective and easy to use collection service that makes it much easier for people to recycle a wider range or materials, and therefore reduce our impact on the environment.


How will the new service affect me?

Your existing rubbish wheelie bin will be replaced with a new red lidded wheelie bin. Your existing recycle crate will be replaced with a new yellow lidded wheelie bin.


The new bins will come with an information pack about how to use the new service and what rubbish goes into which bin.


When will the new bins be delivered?

The new bins will be delivered between 16 May and 10 June 2011, in time for the new service to start the week beginning 4 July 2011.


What will happen to the old bins?

The existing rubbish wheelie bin belongs to the Contractor – Bond Contracts Ltd – who will collect it during the last week of the old service (27 June to 1 July) or you can drop it off at the Invercargill Waste Transfer Station located on Bond Street from 1 July 2011.


What will happen to the old recycle crates?

You are invited to keep your recycling crate to use for carrying items to the yellow recycling bin or for other purposes around the home.


How big will the new bins be?

Unless you requested a different bin size, you will receive a 140 litre wheelie bin for rubbish (emptied every week) and a 240 litre wheelie bin for recycling (emptied every fortnight).


What can I put in the new yellow recycle bin?

The yellow recycling bin is for the disposal of clean plastics (including bags, containers, packaging, bottles, trays and lids, white polystyrene and bubble wrap), glass bottles and jars, paper and flattened cardboard, tins and cans.