Stickered Bins
To reduce contamination, bins with incorrect items may receive warnings. After 4 strikes, the bin may be removed for 3 months.
The cost of contamination
Most people use their recycling and FOGO bins correctly, and most collections are successfully recycled or composted.
When the wrong items end up in a bin, they can contaminate the entire load. For example, food scraps in recycling bins, or plastic, glass and metal in FOGO bins, can make materials unsuitable for recycling or composting, meaning the whole load may be sent to landfill.
Contamination is still a major issue. Some recycling truckloads contain up to 35% contamination, and Rotorua's average contamination rate has stayed at about 23% for the past three years.
As a result, around 680 tonnes of recyclable material is sent to landfill each year instead of being recycled, costing about $195,000.
Rotorua's goal is to reduce contamination to less than 12%. Everyone can help by putting the right items in the right bins, reducing waste, lowering costs, and recovering more valuable resources.
Hazardous items, such as lithium batteries, pose an even greater risk, as they can start fires in collection trucks and processing facilities.
How it works
First strike 1️⃣🎳
You’ll receive a red warning sticker on your bin, a guide to help you sort correctly and a letter.
Second strike 2️⃣🎳
You’ll receive a second red warning sticker on your bin, a guide to help you sort correctly and a letter.
Third strike 3️⃣🎳
You’ll receive a final warning sticker and letter advising that any future contamination will result in bin removal for three months.
Fourth strike 4️⃣🎳
Your contaminated recycling or FOGO bin will be removed for 3 months. To get it back, you’ll need to request it and complete an information session.
Rotorua has had a warning system since 2016. The strengthened four-strikes approach builds on this to protect the environment, reduce costs, and ensure the right materials are recycled or converted into resource we can use again.
Examples of wrong items found in bins
Frequently asked questions
How does the four strikes system work?
- First strike – You’ll receive a red warning sticker on your bin, a guide to help you sort correctly and a letter.
- Second strike – You’ll receive a second red warning sticker on your bin, a guide to help you sort correctly and a letter.
- Third strike – You’ll receive a final warning sticker and letter advising that any future contamination will result in bin removal for three months.
- Fourth strike – Your offending bin will be removed for three months. You will have to request it back and undergo a contamination information session.
Why is it being introduced?
While most residents use their bins correctly, recycling contamination in Rotorua is still as high as 35%, sending around 385 tonnes of material to landfill each year and costing about $190,000. The strikes system helps reduce contamination, save money, and make sure recyclables and green waste are processed properly instead of ending up in landfill.
How is contamination detected?
Collection crews visually inspect bins during collection.
Will I still have rubbish collection if my recycling or FOGO bin is removed?
Yes. Only the offending recycling or FOGO bin will be removed and you will have to transport your recyclables to one of the Rotorua Transfer Stations. Excess garden waste (excluding food waste) can be taken to the Rotorua South Resource Recovery Park (Landfill) and disposed of for a fee.
Will I get a refund on my rates if my bin(s) are removed?
No. Your rates will not be reduced if your recycling or FOGO bin is removed. Contaminated loads cost ratepayers about $190,000 each year. Reducing contamination helps keep costs fair for everyone.
How can I avoid getting a strike?
Only put accepted items in each kerbside bin.
Use these guides if you are not sure where an item goes:
- Download the kerbside collection booklet - (PDF, 1.6MB)
- Search the waste directory - (PDF, 17.3MB)
What happens once a bin is removed?
It will be held at our contractor depot for three months. After that time, you will need to request for it back and undergo a contamination information session.
What if I'm not responsible for the contamination in my bin?
If you think a strike was issued in error, please contact our customer services team on 07 348 4199 or email info@rotorualc.nz
What are the most common contaminants found?
Common items that contaminate recycling include:
- dirty containers with food or liquid still in them
- oily paper or cardboard
- used nappies
- soft plastics, such as plastic bags, cling film, bubble wrap and chip packets
- single-use coffee cups and drink cups
- liquid paperboard, such as long-life milk cartons and stock cartons
- polystyrene, such as appliance packaging, packaging peanuts and takeaway containers
Need help?
Phone 07 348 4199 or email info@rotorualc.nz
