Rubbish Collection Services
Everything you need to know about our kerbside service can be found in our downloadable booklet.
You can also pick up a print copy at Council reception. Inside the booklet:
- What to do with extra waste
- What can and can't go in your rubbish, recycling and FOGO bins
- What happens after your waste is collected
- Information on transfer stations.
My bin hasn't been collected
If your bin was not emptied for one of the reasons above, a sticker explaining why may be placed on your bin. You will need to remedy the issue and put your bin out for the next collection day.
Kerbside collection trucks use GPS and time-stamped video to record each collection route. If you are still not sure why your bin was not collected, contact our Customer Solutions team and they will be able to advise you.
My bin has gone missing
If your bin goes missing, check that a neighbour has not taken it by mistake. Bins have address labels on the side so you can check if someone has accidentally taken your bin. They also have wireless radio frequency identification (RFID) labels, so if a bin is at a different property, it can sometimes be collected and returned to its rightful home address.
Contact Council if you are still unable to find your bin and we will organise a replacement at no cost.
My bin is damaged
If your bin is damaged, email Council on info@rotorualc.nz with the following details:
- A photograph of your damaged bin
- Your name and contact number
- Street address for your replacement bin.
Our collection team will check your bin and replace it if needed, at no cost. If the damage is minor and the bin still works, it may not be replaced.
I need a larger bin or additional bin
Costs for bin upgrades - residential properties
Note: all prices are GST inclusive.
Rubbish bin options (red bin) | From 1 July 2025 |
|---|---|
Upgrade 140 litre bin to 240 litre bin | $176.09 |
Additional 140 litre bin | $379.86 |
Additional 240 litre bin | $460.46 |
| Recycling bin options (yellow bin) | |
| Additional 240 litre bin | $383.16 |
| Glass recycling options (blue crate) | |
| Additional 40 litre crate (maximum 3 per household) | $49.81 |
Smaller sized rubbish or recycling wheelie bins are not available. However, you don't need to put your bins out every week for collection.
I'm moving house
Bins and crates are allocated to their specific property and should not be removed, even if the property is sold or the home is re-tenanted.
Bins are the property of the Council and the collections contractor. Homeowners and tenants have a responsibility to look after the bins allocated to their property.
Why did I just see one truck collecting both rubbish and recycling?
Our collection contractor has a range of different trucks within their fleet. Some collect glass only; some collect only recycling or refuse. Some can collect two different material types, and some can collect them all! Seeing your rubbish and recycling being collected by the same truck does not mean your recyclables are going to landfill. The driver controls which compartment the material is moved into once the bin has emptied.
Trucks which collect contents from all three bins are most commonly used in rural areas where this is more efficient than sending multiple trucks, but sometimes they will end up on urban routes too.
I run a holiday home, what should I do?
If you own or manage a holiday home in Rotorua, you can use these printable factsheets to place in your accommodation to help guests manage their waste.
For areas using wheelie bins:
For areas using rubbish bags:
Learn more about kerbside waste services
Rotorua Lakes Council can provide presentations or workshops to support groups and individuals in understanding our kerbside collection services and recycling processes. If you would like to find out more, please get in touch with recycling@rotorualc.nz.
