Around this time last year, New Zealand changed the materials accepted in kerbside recycling. A year later, has it made a difference?
A year ago, New Zealand introduced new nationwide standards for kerbside recycling. This change aimed to create consistency across the country, making it easier for people to understand what could and couldn’t be recycled. The goal? To improve recycling habits, ensure clearer messaging, and prioritize high-value materials.
Before this standardisation, different regions had different rules, which led to confusion. The new system established a single set of guidelines for everyone.
What Can Be Recycled?
The key materials now accepted for kerbside recycling are:
- Glass bottles and jars
- Paper and cardboard
- Plastic bottles, trays, and containers numbered 1, 2, and 5
- Aluminium and steel tins and cans
Kerbside Standardisation | Ministry for the Environment
Improving household recycling and food scrap collections
How Has This Change Been Received?
Observing this shift in real-time over the past year has been interesting. Reactions have been mixed—some celebrated the change, while others were either unaware or doubtful that it would make a real impact.
Michael Basagre, our Sustainability Manager, highlighted some key benefits of this change in a LinkedIn post:
- Eliminates confusion about what is and isn’t recyclable
- Helps Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) process materials more efficiently
- Encourages brands to design packaging in line with recyclability standards
- Reduces contamination in recycling streams
- Improves overall recycling behaviours
The Biggest Challenge: Lids and Caps
Was the transition seamless? Probably not—no change ever is.
One of the biggest sources of confusion was what to do with lids and caps. Under the new rules, small lids and caps were not accepted in kerbside recycling, leaving many wondering about the best disposal method.
Fortunately, The Packaging Forum and other organisations stepped up to address this issue. Their solution? A new drop-off scheme designed to collect and recycle caps and lids effectively.
Check out the initiative here:
So, Was It Worth It?
That depends. Like any major change, time will tell how effective it really is.
However, as Michael put it:
“Ultimately, it’s another positive step towards creating systematic thinking when it comes to reducing waste in New Zealand.”
At the end of the day, impactful change comes from small, consistent improvements.
Till next time,
Hi-Tech Packaging