What goes in your bin matters
From 1 September 2026, we are introducing our Kerbside Recycle Right programme, an education-first programme designed to help households understand what belongs in their yellow recycling bin and keep Hauraki's kerbside recycling service working well for everyone.
Every item placed in your yellow recycling bin makes a difference.
When items that can't be recycled through our kerbside service are included, they can affect the recycling process. In some cases, an entire load of recycling may be rejected and sent to landfill.
Why are we introducing Kerbside Recycle Right?
Hauraki has a strong history of recycling well.
In 2019, a community education programme helped reduce the number of recycling bins containing incorrect items from around 57% to just 3%.
Over time, some recycling habits have slipped. Recent checks show that around 27% of yellow recycling bins contain items that can't be recycled through our kerbside service.
Kerbside Recycle Right builds on what worked before by providing clear information, practical guidance and support when it is needed.
The goal is simple: help everyone understand what belongs in their yellow recycling bin and keep our kerbside recycling service working well for everyone.
How Kerbside Recycle Right works
From 1 September, yellow recycling bins will be checked across the district as part of the programme.
If your recycling is sorted correctly, your collection will continue as normal.
If an item that can't be recycled through the kerbside service is found, your bin will be tagged with information explaining:
- What item or items were found
- Why they can't be recycled through the kerbside service
- What needs to be removed before your next collection
The first step is always education and support.
What are the four stages?
Kerbside Recycle Right uses a four-stage education process.
Stage 1 – First reminder
A tag is placed on your yellow recycling bin explaining what item or items can't be recycled. Remove the item or items listed and put your bin out again on your next scheduled collection day.
Stage 2 – Further support
If incorrect items continue to be found, another tag is applied along with a letter providing further information and support.
Stage 3 – Final reminder
A final reminder gives you one more opportunity to correct your recycling before your yellow recycling bin is temporarily removed.
Stage 4 – Temporary recycling bin removal
If incorrect items continue, your yellow recycling bin is temporarily removed. Approved clear recycling bags will be left at your property when your bin is removed, so your recycling collection can continue while you get your recycling back on track.
Once your recycling has met the required standard for the third consecutive check, your yellow recycling bin will be returned to your property.
The aim is to help you get back on track, not make it harder to recycle.
You can find full information about each stage on our Kerbside Recycle Right programme page.
Kerbside Recycle Right helps our community to:
- Keep recyclable items clean and usable
- Reduce waste going to landfill
- Protect recycling equipment from damage
- Make the best use of available landfill space
- Keep Hauraki's kerbside recycling service working well
- Recycling keeps valuable materials in use for longer, reduces waste and helps protect our finite natural resources by reducing the need for new materials.
Hauraki has done this before, and we know education works.
Together, we can recycle right and make every item count.
Find out how the Kerbside Recycle Right programme works and check what belongs in your yellow recycling bin before it begins on 1 September.
Right items. Right bin. Right result.
