We're carrying out a trial of recycling stations around Whakatāne and Ohope. These Public Place Recycling stations will have a bin you can use for recycling glass, plastic, tins, cans and paper/cardboard items - and a bin for general rubbish.
Each recycling station houses separate bins for co-mingled recycling, glass, and rubbish. You will be able to recycle glass bottles and jars, clean plastic bottles and containers, tins, cans, and paper/cardboard items at nine stations located around Whakatāne.
The bins have been supplied through funding support to the Whakatāne District Council through the 'Litter Less, Recycle More' project developed by the Packaging Forum, in partnership with Be A Tidy Kiwi.
Where are these recycling stations?
- West End, Ohope
- Maraetōtara Reserve, Ohope
- Mahy Reserve and neighbouring car park off West End Rd
- Rex Morpeth Park, car park behind the hall
- McCallister St Car Park
- I-site
- Outside ASB, The Strand
- Boon St
What can be recycled?
In the yellow bins: co-mingled (mixed) recycling
Please recycle clean:
- Plastic containers/bottles
- Tins and cans
- Paper
- Cardboard
We can’t recycle:
- Polystyrene
- Soft plastics (eg plastic bags)
- Takeaway coffee cups
- Batteries
In the blue bins: glass
Please recycle:
- Glass bottles (no lids)
- Glass jars (no lids)
We can’t recycle:
- Broken glass
In the red bins: rubbish
General rubbish including:
- Soft plastics / plastic bags
- Containers with food on them
- Polystyrene
- Food scraps
- Coffee cups
- Nappies
Let us know your feedback
The installation of these Public Place Recycling bins is a trial, which also means we are taking on board all feedback on the design and usage. If you wish to comment on the bins, you can email info@whakatane.govt.nz
Can I recycle...?
- Coffee cups?
Sadly, no these need to go in the rubbish bins. - Food waste?
No. We need to ensure all our recycling is clean. Please place any food waste or recycling contaminated with food in the red rubbish bin. - Plastic bags?
No - soft plastics, including plastic bags, cannot be put in the Public Place Recycling bins. These need to go in the red rubbish bins.
Who can use these bins?
These bins are to give the public the opportunity to recycle while out and about, and to help keep Whakatane’s public places litter-free. The bins are not for commercial or household use.
The trial will help us develop best practice for public place recycling in Whakatāne. Our hope is for permanent installation of the bins at suitable locations around the District if the trial proves successful
How often are the bins emptied?
The bins will be emptied at least weekly. They also use smart technology to minimise overflow, reduce collection costs and monitor usage - the technology notifies the collection team when it requires emptying.
Where does the recycling go?
Mixed recycling from the yellow bins will go to a Materials Recovery Facility in Tauranga for sorting. The glass will go to glass recyclers in Auckland.
Has the Chinese restrictions in recycling affected us?
The Chinese Green Sword initiative putting restrictions on China receiving plastic came into force in March 2018. The markets for recyclables are constantly changing and we may have to change what we collect at some point in the future.
How will people know what to put in each bin?
There is a clear description on the bins as to what can and cannot be placed in them.
Why is there not an organic bin to divert food waste going to landfills?
At this time there is no local site for processing food waste.
Why haven't we done a Public Place Recycling bin trial before?
There have always been concerns over public recycling bins and previous trials show that contamination levels of the recycling means that it has had to go to landfill. We're hoping the new design and public education will help to make this a success so we can make them permanent.
Why are the bins such bright colours?
The colours are nationally recognised colours for each waste stream. The bins bright colours help users distinguish between the bins usage, are easily recognisable as recycling and rubbish bins, and the same colours are used across the national trial for consistency - so visitors will recognise the appropriate colour-coding from town to town.