A-Z Recycling and waste directory

Hazardous Waste Centre

Acids are hazardous waste and can harm our waterways and environment. Never put these in your kerbside wheelie bins. Instead, take acids to the Hazardous Waste Centre for safe disposal.

Transfer stations

These are not accepted at the transfer stations, please take these to the Hazardous Waste Centre.

When purchasing, consider whether there may a non-toxic alternative. If you can’t find a more eco- friendly option, be sure only to buy what you need and choose refills rather than new containers.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Aerosol cans, whether empty or containing a substance, can be taken to the Hazardous Waste Centre for safe disposal and recycling.

Aerosols can’t go in the kerbside bins because they have the potential to explode or ignite if pierced, compressed or flattened in the collection trucks or landfill. Even if they are not classified as a hazardous chemical (e.g., food products) they can still explode or ignite.

Much of the hazardous waste is sent away for recycling so not only do you help ensure the environment is safe for future generations by keeping hazardous waste out of the landfill, you play a part in enabling the recycling of the materials.

Regional transfer stations

Aerosol cans, whether empty or containing a substance) are accepted at any regional transfer station for safe disposal and recycling. Please see the attendant before dropping off.

Agrecovery provides free recycling for plastic containers (0-60 litres), large drums and IBCs, and LDPE bags (No.4 plastic) from participating brands. For more information, contact Agrecovery on 0800 247 326 or
go to the Agrecovery website

Future Post in Blenheim can recycle #2 and #5 agrichemical plastic containers 0-200L in size from any brand. Please contact them before bringing in any material as the site is not open to the general public. For more information or to organise drop-off, please call 027 450 9816 or email teena@futurepost.co.nz

Plasback offers recycling solutions for farmers, including silage wrap, silage covers, grain bags, polypropylene bags, twines, large drum recovery, vine nets and irrigation pipe. For more information, contact Plasback 0508 338 240 or
go to the Plasback website

Yellow kerbside wheelie bin

Aluminium cans go in your yellow kerbside wheelie bin. Please ensure they are empty and clean.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Aluminium cans can be deposited at the Marlborough recycling centre, any transfer station or remote transfer station around the region in the yellow comingled recycling bins.

Red kerbside wheelie bin

Rinse dry and reuse your aluminium tin foil as much as possible, otherwise it should go in the red waste bin because foil is a different grade of metal to tins and cans so it is not recyclable in NZ.

Transfer station and remote transfer stations

Aluminium or tin foil can be dropped off at any of the transfer stations or remote transfer stations in the region.

Never dispose of live ammunition or explosives in any kerbside rubbish or recycling bins, or at any transfer station or remote transfer station. Call the Police Arms Office 0800 844 431 to organise safe disposal.

Used/fired Centrefire and Rimfire casings can’t go in kerbside bins, instead take these to any transfer station for recycling in the metal recycling bins.

Used/fired shotgun cartridges can go in the kerbside waste bin or are accepted as general waste at any transfer station.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Antifreeze is hazardous waste and is harmful to our waterways and environment. Never put this in your kerbside wheelie bins. Instead, take antifreeze to the Hazardous Waste Centre for safe disposal.

Transfer stations

Domestic quantities of antifreeze and other hazardous wastes are accepted at any of the regional transfer stations.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Don’t put broken household appliances in your kerbside recycling or waste bins. Take them to the Hazardous and E-Waste Waste Centre for recycling.

Appliances in working order can also be taken to the Hazardous and E-waste centre, where they will be tagged and tested to ensure they are safe for reuse. This can be done through either the Dump Shop or by giving to those in need through the Unwanted Goods Project. Charges may apply.

You could also share household appliances, in good working order, on social media platforms.

You can donate a variety of art and craft materials to local op shops for reuse, including poster paints, canvas and brushes; stationery; knitting, crochet and needlework supplies; and decorations. You could also offer unwanted items to your community through local sharing platforms.

Yellow kerbside wheelie bin

Paper and cardboard free from contamination (glue, crafty materials, etc.) can be recycled in your yellow kerbside recycling bin.

Red rubbish bin

If your art and craft items are not suitable for recycling or reuse, dispose of them in your red waste bin.

Transfer station and remote transfer stations

Arts and crafts materials can be dropped as waste at any of the transfer stations or remote transfer stations in the region

A licensed professional should deal with asbestos, they will also organise the disposal for you.

If you are a commercial operator and want to dispose of large quantities of asbestos, get in touch with your local skip company to organise disposal.

If you have a small quantity of asbestos for disposal, contact the Hazardous Waste Centre on 03 578 9622 or info@jblenvironmental.co.nz.

Transfer station and regional transfer stations

Asbestos is not accepted at the transfer stations.

Ash from chemical- free firewood can be a valuable nutrient source for the garden as it contains potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. It is also an alkaline, so in the same way lime is used, it can make your soil less acidic.

Red kerbside wheelie bin

Completely cold ashes that have been doused in water and left for five days can be placed in your red rubbish bin.

Ashes can stay hot long after a fire has gone out and can ignite fires in household rubbish bins, rubbish trucks, transfer stations and landfills.

Safely dispose of ashes from BBQs, fires, and cigarettes by emptying them into a metal bin, pouring water over them, and leaving them for five days to cool. Only cold ashes must go in the red rubbish bin, as even warm ashes can melt a plastic wheelie bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Ash can be accepted as waste at any of the transfer stations or remote transfer stations in the region. Ash needs to be completely cold, have been doused in water and left for five days.

Pharmacies are the safest and most environmentally-friendly places to dispose of unwanted, unused or expired medicines.

Bags – green enviro reusable shopping bag

If it's in good condition, reuse it.

Countdown reusable shopping bags that are damaged, can be returned to the store for a replacement.

Bags and suitcases

Donate bags and suitcases in good condition to local charity shops. Please ensure zips are working and there are no rips or holes.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

If your bags are not suitable for reuse, dispose of small items in your red rubbish bin and larger items at a transfer station.

Transfer Stations and remote transfer stations

Larger bags not suitable for reuse can be disposed of at any of the region’s transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Single-use parchment paper has a silicone coating, so it can’t be recycled or composted. Put this in your red rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Single-use parchment paper is accepted as general waste at any of the transfer stations or remote transfer stations.

Consider purchasing non-stick baking mats or simply greasing your pan or tray to prevent sticking.

Never put batteries in your kerbside rubbish or recycling bins, as they can cause fires in the collection trucks or within the landfill when compacted. Even if they don’t ignite a fire, old batteries contain chemicals and other materials that are harmful to the environment and take hundreds of years to break down.

Small cell batteries

As long as the batteries are not damaged or modified, small cell batteries listed below can be collected at multiple locations throughout Marlborough.

• Alkaline (AA, AAA, C, and D alkaline batteries);
• 9-volt (e.g. from smoke alarms),
• Cr123 (e.g. from cameras);
• Dry cell and zinc (e.g. button batteries);
• NiCd, NiMH (e.g. rechargeable batteries),
• Batteries from power tools

Go to collection points on the Dry Cell and Small Batteries page

If you have damaged or modified batteries, please take them directly to the Hazardous Waste Centre.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Small batteries, including lead-acid batteries from cars, trucks and tractors as well as EV batteries or batteries from off-grid set ups can be taken to the Hazardous Waste Centre for recycling if they are undamaged or unmodified, or for safe disposal.

Regional transfer stations

Small batteries and limited quantities of lead-acid batteries from cars, trucks, tractors, etc. can be taken to any of the regional transfer stations for recycling as long as they are not damaged or modified. If you have large batteries from EVs or off-grid set ups, or damaged or modified batteries, please take these directly to the Hazardous Waste Centre.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Eftpos and credit cards, loyalty cards, etc, generally don’t have a recycling symbol, so need to go in your red rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Plastic bank cards and loyalty cards are accepted as general waste at any transfer station or remote transfer station.

Bed bases, headboards, frames and mattresses in good condition can be donated to the Unwanted Goods Project to be re-homed to those in need (link)

They can also be donated to accepting charity shops throughout the region, or you could use a local sharing platform to pass them on.

Transfer Stations

Mattresses that are not fit to be re-used can be taken to any transfer station in the region.

Consider whether frames may still be of good use for donating.

Metal bed frames can be recycled as scrap metal at transfer stations.

Biscuit packaging is treated like a soft plastic, and although you can’t put it in your kerbside recycling bin, you can recycle soft packaging at any of the locations below.

• New World Blenheim
• The Warehouse
• Woolworths Blenheim
• Woolworths Redwoodtown
• Woolworths Springlands
• The Dump Shop

You can also recycle soft plastics at any regional transfer station.

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Most of the plastic inner trays used in biscuit packaging are recyclable in your yellow kerbside bin. Look for the numbers 1 or 2.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, transfer stations or remote transfer stations

Recycle plastic biscuit inner trays labelled 1 or 2 at the Marlborough Recycling Centre or in the comingled bins at any of the transfer stations or remote transfer stations.

The Dump Shop

The Dump Shop accepts all types of working bikes and bike parts for reuse.

The metal from broken bikes can be recycled as scrap metal for free at all transfer stations.

Never dispose of biohazardous and medical waste in your kerbside rubbish or recycling bins, public rubbish or recycling bins or at transfer stations.

Contact your local pharmacy, medical centre or provider to see if they offer a service where you can bring back your medical waste, including treatment drugs, for safe disposal.

Chemist Warehouse Blenheim

Take empty blister packs to Chemist Warehouse in Blenheim for recycling.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Blister packs cannot be placed in your yellow mixed recycling bin because they are made of different materials like plastic and aluminium foil, and they are too difficult to recycle through our MRF. Empty blister packs can be disposed of in your red rubbish bin.

Contact your local pharmacy to return blister packs containing any medicine and medication residue, including tablets, pills, lozenges and caplets for safe disposal.

Donate books and magazines in good reusable condition to local charity shops or consider one of the little lilliput libraries around the region.

Locations?

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Magazines go directly into your yellow wheelie bin. To recycle old books in your yellow recycling bin, rip the pages from the spine of the book into smaller sections. Put the book cover in your red rubbish bin.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

You can recycle old books and magazines at the Marlborough Recycling Centre, or in the comingled yellow bins at any of the regional transfer stations or remote transfer stations. To recycle old books, rip the pages from the spine of the book into smaller sections. Dispose of the book cover as general waste.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Brake fluid is a hazardous waste and are harmful to our waterways and environment. Never put this in your kerbside wheelie bins. Instead, take brake fluid to the Hazardous Waste Centre for safe disposal.

Regional transfer stations

Domestic quantities of brake fluid and other hazardous wastes are accepted at any of the regional transfer stations.

Bread bags are a soft plastic and cannot be recycled in your kerbside recycling bin. They are handy to have for numerous reuses, extending their lifespan beyond holding bread.

You can recycle your bread bags and other soft plastics at any of the drop off locations listed below:

• New World Blenheim
• The Warehouse
• Woolworths Blenheim
• Woolworths Redwoodtown
• Woolworths Springlands
• The Dump Shop

You can also recycle soft plastics at any regional transfer station.

Soft plastics are collected by the Packaging Forum for local recycling by Future Post, which uses them to make fence and vineyard posts and garden frames for households.

The Dump Shop accepts bricks and tiles in good reusable condition, or you can pass on unwanted materials through your local sharing platforms.

Uncontaminated bricks and tiles not suitable for reuse can be disposed of as hardfill at the Blenheim Transfer Station. Be sure to separate hardfill from cleanfill. Mixed loads incur fees at the full disposal rate of $201.00

Go to more information on large commercial loads or cleanfill or hardfill on the Bluegums landfill webpage

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Clean and dry brochures and flyers can be recycled in your yellow recycling bin.

Wet or water-damaged brochures and flyers have to go in your red rubbish bin.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

You can recycle old brochures and flyers in the paper bin at the Marlborough Recycling Centre, or in the comingled yellow bins at any of the regional transfer stations or remote transfer stations.

Bubble wrap is a soft plastic and cannot be recycled in your kerbside recycling bin. Reach out to your community through local sharing platforms to see if anyone needs it for packaging or moving house.

Recycle your bubble wrap at any of the drop-off locations listed below:

• New World Blenheim
• The Warehouse
• Woolworths Blenheim
• Woolworths Redwoodtown
• Woolworths Springlands
• The Dump Shop

You can also recycle soft plastics at any regional transfer station.

Soft plastics are collected by the Packaging Forum for local recycling by Future Post, which uses them to make fence and vineyard posts and garden frames for households.

The Salvage Yard at the Dump Shop

Don’t put building materials in your kerbside bins.

We need to divert as much construction waste from landfill as we can, and often these materials are in good reusable condition.

The Salvage Yard at the Dump Shop accepts all kinds of building materials for reuse. Check out (link) for more details.

Hazardous waste centre

Never put butane cannisters, gas bottles and helium cylinders in any kerbside bins, as they can cause fires within the collection trucks. These can all be safely recycled at the Hazardous Waste Centre.

Regional transfer stations

Butane cannisters, gas bottles and helium cylinders are accepted at any regional transfer station to be safely recycled. Please see the attendant before discarding.

If your camera is in good condition you can put it on local sharing platforms or take it to the Hazardous Waste Centre for testing to check it works and then take it to the Dump Shop.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Cameras not in good reusable condition can be recycled as e-waste at the Hazardous Waste Centre.

Regional transfer stations

Cameras not in good reusable condition can be recycled as e-waste at any regional transfer station.

You can also drop off old cameras to Noel Leeming.

The Dump Shop accepts camping gear in good reusable condition, including, tents, chairs, stretchers, blow-up mattresses (no holes), gazebos, and camping accessories.

The Dump Shop can't accept gas bottles -, these can be recycled at the Hazardous Waste Centre (see gas bottles).

You could also give away unwanted items to your community through your local sharing platforms.

Transfer Stations

Broken camp gear unsuitable for reuse can be disposed of at the landfill transfer stations.

Metal and plastic caps and lids can’t go in your kerbside recycling bin because they are too small to be sorted at the recycling centre. In Marlborough, we have set up our own caps and lids recycling collection points based at the Dump Shop and all staffed transfer stations.

These metals can be deposited:

• Crown caps (bottle caps)
• Jar lids
• Ring pull caps
• Wire from sparkling drinks
• Metal screw top caps
• Aluminium lids
• Wine lids
• Food tin lids

No coffee pods, please.

These plastic lids can be deposited:

• Flip top /hinged lids
• Screw caps
• Milk bottle lids
• Yoghurt and dip lids
• Supplement bottle lids
• Household cleaning lids
• Shampoo and cosmetic lids

No coffee cup lids

No glass

No pumps or triggers

Hazardous Waste Centre

Car batteries can be taken to the Hazardous Waste Centre for recycling. Damaged or modified batteries can also be safely disposed of there.

NZ producers some of the most valuable cardboard and fibres internationally, this is because it is a virgin product so it’s important to ensure cardboard is dry and free from contaminants

Yellow kerbside wheelie bin, Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Only recycle clean, dry and flattened cardboard in your yellow mixed recycling bin. Food-contaminated cardboard or cardboard lined with foil or plastic needs to go in the red rubbish bin.

Egg trays and toilet roll inserts can be accepted in your yellow mixed recycling bin. Cardboard cores, commonly found in printing or carpet rolls, can't be recycled because they are contaminated by the high volume of glue used in their construction. Dispose of these as rubbish.

Dump Shop

The Dump Shop accepts carpet and underlay in good reusable condition. Please note, staff will inspect the carpet or underlay and it is accepted on a case-by-case basis.

You could also offer used carpet on local sharing platforms. Or, if it is made from natural fibres, carpet makes a great weed mat.

Transfer stations

Carpet and under lay that can not be reused or repurposed in any way are accepted as general waste at any of the transfer stations.

Dry pet food bags or wet pet food pouches can’t be recycled at our facilities. Don’t put these in your yellow recycling bin. Instead take them to Animates, which accept any brand of pet food bags or pouches to be recycled through the Royal Canin Recycling Program. Note: aluminium pet food cans or cardboard boxes go in the yellow recycling bins.

The Dump Shop accepts CD’s and DVD’s in good reusable condition, or you can pass on unwanted materials through your local sharing platforms. These items are often used for a range of arts and crafts.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

CDs, DVDs and their plastic casing are made from non-recyclable materials and go directly in the red rubbish bin.

Transfer station and remote transfer stations

CDs, DVDs and their plastic casing can be disposed of as general waste at transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

Mobile phones contain lithium-ion batteries, which pose a fire risk if they are put in kerbside bins or landfill. Recycling your mobile phone helps ensure the battery is disposed of safely. Mobile phones can be safely recycled at the Hazardous Waste Centre.

You can also drop unwanted mobile phones for recycling free of charge at any of the following stores:

• One NZ
• Spark
• Noel Leeming
• Resene

Ceramics and crockery in good usable condition can be taken to the Dump Shop, where they are either sold on or donated to schools, community groups or utilised to kit out homes for those in need through the Unwanted Goods Project. Most local charity shops also accept ceramics and crockery.

Blenheim transfer station

Ceramics are made from clay and other natural materials. Broken ceramics are accepted at the Blenheim Transfer Station as hardfill.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Put chipped or broken crockery in the red rubbish bin.

Crockery contaminates recycling: Just one cup or plate can prevent glass from being recycled because it causes huge problems in the production of new glass bottles and jars.

Hazardous waste centre

Chargers can be recycled as e-waste at the Hazardous Waste Centre.

Regional transfer stations

Chargers can be recycled as e-waste at any regional transfer station.

You can also drop chargers at any of the following stores:

• One NZ
• Spark
• Noel Leeming

Chip packets are treated like a soft plastic and although you can’t put them in your kerbside recycling bin, you can recycle soft packaging at any of the below locations:

• New World Blenheim
• The Warehouse
• Woolworths Blenheim
• Woolworths Redwoodtown
• Woolworths Springlands
• The Dump Shop

You can also recycle soft plastics at any regional transfer station.

Fake Christmas trees are made from multiple hard-to-recycle plastics. Sell or give these away and make someone’s Christmas or take them to a local charity.

Transfer stations

If the Christmas tree is beyond reuse, it will be accepted as general waste at transfer stations.

Real Christmas trees are accepted at the Blenheim and Picton Green Waste area.

Blenheim Transfer Station

Cleanfill is soil with no grass, whole trees or tree trimmings. This is accepted at the Green Waste area of the Blenheim transfer station. Ensure you have separated Cleanfill from hardfill. Fees apply.

For commercial quantities of Cleanfill please fill out the form on the Bluegums Landfill page

Clear shrink wrap is a soft plastic and cannot be recycled in your kerbside recycling bin. Clean, clear plastic wrap marked 4, e.g. pallet wrap, Glad Wrap, bread bags, bubble wrap and plastic wrappers of products such as biscuits, chips, anything you buy that has a soft plastic sheath, can be recycled at any of the below locations:

• New World Blenheim
• The Warehouse
• Woolworths Blenheim
• Woolworths Redwoodtown
• Woolworths Springlands
• The Dump Shop

You can also recycle soft plastics at any regional transfer station.

Soft plastics are collected by the Packaging Forum to be recycled locally by Future Post into fence and vineyard posts and garden frames for households.

Textile waste is one of the largest contributors to landfill. Below are some top tips on how we can help divert this product from the waste stream.

Donate your clean clothes in good condition to an op shop, swap with friends, or have a garage sale. You could also offer unwanted items to your community through your local sharing platforms.

Follow the golden rule of donating by only donating items you'd be happy to give to a friend.

Top tips for responsible donating:

Wash clothing and textiles; it’s far nicer for the sorting staff and helps your stuff find a new home quickly.
• Try to fix what’s broken or take it to a local repair event. Don’t donate broken, ripped or stained items.
• Don’t donate underwear.

If you have clothes that are not suitable to pass on (ripped, stained or too worn), here’s a few ways to keep them in use before they go in the rubbish bin:

• Cut up to use as veggie ties or use cleaning rags.
• Check in with Marlborough Four Paws or local veterinary clinics. They are often in need of towels or sheets and duvets.

Did you know old clothes can be used as a weed mat in the garden? Old clothes, especially cotton or wool, can be laid on top of weeds and then covered with mulch to suppress weeds and eventually decompose, adding organic matter to the soil. However, it's important to consider the material of the clothes, as synthetic fibres may not be ideal.

The Dump Shop and other local charity shops

The Dump Shop and other local charities accept unbroken coat hangers for re-use. You could also give them to local dry cleaners.

Red kerbside rubbish bins

Broken plastic, wooden or felted coat hangers cannot be recycled and need to go in the red rubbish bin.

Transfer stations

Broken wire coat hangers are accepted in the steel bins for recycling at the transfer stations.

Broken plastic, wooden or felted coat hangers cannot be recycled and are accepted as general waste at the transfer stations.

Takeaway coffee cups and lids cannot be recycled because they are made from non-recyclable materials. Unfortunately, the lining makes the cups non-recyclable. Better to avoid where possible and remember to use a reusable coffee cup or thermos.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Takeaway coffee cups and lids go in your red kerbside rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Takeaway coffee cups and lids can be deposited as general waste at any transfer station or remote transfer station.

Coffee grounds are great for the garden, and worms love them too!

Some tea bags have a plastic component, but not all. Check the brand you are buying and choose a compostable option.

For information on composting, please go to:(link)

Subsidised Bokashi bins with compost zing are available for purchase at the Council office.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Non- compostable tea bags go in the red rubbish bin.

While the exact number of coffee pods going to New Zealand landfills annually isn't explicitly stated, it's estimated that millions of pods end up in landfills each year.

Nespresso coffee pods can be recycled through a courier bag system.
Go to Nespresso's website for more details

Consider purchasing reusable coffee pods. They are environmentally friendly, have long-term cost benefits, and offer greater control over coffee preferences.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Coffee pods that are not Nespresso-branded go in the red rubbish bin.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Most compostable packaging and compostable coffee cups require processing in the high temperatures of a commercial composting facility.

There is no commercial composting facility in the district, and they cannot be recycled. Compostable packaging goes in the red rubbish bin.

Hazardous Waste Centre

All E-waste, including computer equipment, goes to the Hazardous Waste Centre to be recycled. This includes computers, printers, TVs, faxes, cell phones and computer accessories (keyboards, mice, routers, etc).

Regional transfer stations

All E-waste, including computer equipment, is accepted at any regional transfer station to be recycled. This includes computers, printers, TVs, faxes, cell phones and computer accessories (keyboards, mice, routers, etc).

Corflute is difficult to recycle due to the plastics it is made from. If it’s in good condition, it may be able to be re-skinned.

Check with the Dump Shop. They may re-purpose it for new signage or donate to schools. They are a great material for school projects such as the Science Fair.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Cut your corflute signage into smaller pieces to dispose of in your red rubbish bin.

Transfer station and remote transfer stations

Corflute signage can be disposed of at transfer stations and remote transfer stations as general waste.

The Dump Shop and most other charity shops accept good condition curtains, blinds and curtain rails for reuse. You could also offer unwanted items to your community through local sharing platforms. Consider whether they would be useful for furniture or moving blankets.

Transfer stations

Curtains, blinds and curtain rails not in good reusable condition can be deposited as general waste at transfer stations.

If rails or rods are made from steel, they can go in the scrap metal bin at any of the transfer stations.

For advice on the best way to dispose of pets like dogs and cats, contact your local veterinary clinic.

Farm or wild animals can’t go to any of the transfer stations or remote transfer stations. Please take these directly to Bluegums landfill. Charges apply.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Only small animals such as birds, mice and rats can go in the red wheelie bin.

Salvage yard

In Marlborough, we strive to divert as much construction and demolition materials from landfill as possible. The Salvage Yard accepts all sorts of items in good reusable condition.

For a full diversion guide, please contact JBL Environmental

Chloe Abernethy - 027 749 4741

chloe@jblenvironmental.co.nz

Transfer stations

Small amounts of construction and demolition waste that are not in good reusable condition can be accepted as general waste at the transfer stations.

Bluegums Landfill

Bluegums landfill is for commercial loads only.
Go to the Bluegums Landfill page for more information

Consider getting in contact with a repairer.

Go to Blenheim Appliance Repairs website

If your unwanted appliance is still working, consider selling or donating. The Unwanted Goods Project will collect any working whiteware to be repurposed for families in need.
Go to the Collection and Repurposing of Unwanted Household Goods project webpage

If your dishwasher is in good condition, consider offering it to your community through local sharing platforms.

Hazardous Waste Centre

If your dishwasher is in disrepair, take it to the Hazardous Waste Centre for recycling. Fees apply.

Regional transfer stations

Dishwashers and all domestic whiteware are accepted at any regional transfer station for recycling. Fees apply.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Dog poo goes in the red kerbside rubbish bin. If out walking, take it home with you and dispose of it in your bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Dog poo is accepted as general waste at transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

The Salvage Yard at the Dump Shop accepts PVC, wooden and aluminium doors in good condition for re-use.

You can also consider selling or donating on local sharing platforms.

Transfer stations

Doors unsuitable for re-use can be disposed of as general waste at transfer stations. Recycle any steel doors in the scrap metal bin.

Transfer stations

Aluminium drink bottles can be recycled as scrap metal at any of the transfer stations.

Yellow kerbside wheelie bin, Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Most plastic drink bottles are made from numbers 1,2 and 5. However, some are made from number 7, which is not recyclable. Ensure you can identify the recycling number on the bottom before putting them in your yellow recycling bin, taking them to the Marlborough Recycling Centre, or depositing them in the comingled yellow bins at the regional transfer stations or remote transfer stations.

The Dump Shop and most other local charity shops accept drinking and wine glasses in good reusable condition, or you could consider putting them on local sharing platforms.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Broken drinking and wine glasses go in the red kerbside wheelie bin. Only clean glass bottles and jars can go in your glass recycling crate.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Broken drinking and wine glasses can be disposed of as general waste at transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

Consider getting in contact with a repairer.
Go to Blenheim Appliance Repairs website

If your unwanted appliance is still working, consider selling or donating. The Unwanted Goods Project will collect any working whiteware to be repurposed for families in need.
Go to the Collection and Repurposing of Unwanted Household Goods project webpage

If your dishwasher is in good condition, consider offering it to your community through local sharing platforms.

Hazardous Waste Centre

If your dishwasher is in disrepair, take it to the Hazardous Waste Centre for recycling.

Regional transfer stations

Dryers and all domestic whiteware are accepted at any regional transfer station. From here, they are transported to the Hazardous Waste Centre in Blenheim. Fees apply.

Hazardous Waste Centre

All e-batteries like those from E-Bikes, E-Scooters and E-Vehicles can be recycled at the Hazardous Waste Centre free of charge. Damaged or modified batteries are accepted as hazardous waste for safe disposal.

Regional transfer stations

All e-batteries like those from E-Bikes, E-Scooters and E-Vehicles can be recycled at the regional transfer stations free of charge. Damaged or modified batteries are not accepted at the regional transfer stations. Please take these directly to the Hazardous Waste Centre.

Offer egg trays to local egg sellers for reuse.

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Clean and dry egg trays go in your yellow recycling bin. Food- contaminated egg trays are great for getting the fire going;, otherwise must go in the red rubbish bin.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Bring your clean and dry egg trays to any regional or remote transfer station for recycling.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Electric toothbrushes are considered e-waste and can be recycled at the Hazardous Waste Centre.

Regional transfer stations

Electric toothbrushes can be dropped off at any of the regional transfer stations in the e-waste section for recycling.

Hazardous Waste Centre

E-waste includes items such as computers, mobile phones, small batteries, printers, TVs, gaming consoles, small appliances, battery- powered tools and many other items. Essentially, anything with a plug, cord or electrical component can be classed as e-waste.

When you drop off your e-waste, depending on the type of item, one of the team will check with you to see if it is still working or not. We try to test functionally, as well as test-and-tag (to NZS 5761:2011) as much e-waste as we can to get them back out into the community and items that pass the test get sold at the Dump Shop.

E-waste that cannot be tested or does not pass the test is recycled. This includes:

• Small batteries and items that contain batteries, such as laptops, mobile phones and tablets, are processed to ensure they are safe for transport and are then shipped away for recycling.
• Larger types of e-waste, such as computers and printers, are broken down into different components, and these parts are recycled according to type.
• Hard-to-recycle units, such as CRT screens, are shipped away where they are broken down into different components for either recycling or safe disposal.
• Printer ink and toners are recycled, and even the paper left over in the printers is reused.

By dropping off e-waste and whiteware appliances at the Hazardous Waste Centre we can:

• keep precious metals and steel in circulation instead of adding to the need to mine for more
• keep hazardous heavy metals out of the landfill and the environment
• prevent dangerous lithium-ion battery fires in both the landfill and kerbside collections
• prevent the release of refrigerant gases into the atmosphere

Regional transfer stations

Domestic quantities of e-waste can be dropped off at regional transfer stations.
Go to the e-waste webpage for fees

Hazardous Waste Centre

Used engine oil from cars, trucks, mowers, chainsaws etc is recycled at the Hazardous Waste Centre in Blenheim. Charges apply for commercial quantities. Always try to keep fuels separate from waste oil. If your waste oil contains fuel (for example, two-stroke mix), it can be taken to the Hazardous Waste Centre.

Regional transfer stations

Used engine oil from cars, trucks, mowers, chainsaws, etc can be recycled at any of the regional transfer stations. Charges apply for large commercial quantities. Always try keep fuels separate from waste oil. If your waste oil contains fuel (for example, two-stroke mix), it can be taken to the Hazardous Waste Centre.

Never place explosives in kerbside rubbish or recycling bins. Contact the police at 105 (non-emergency) or 111 (in an emergency) for safe disposal.

Textiles are one of our largest contributors to landfill, so we need to try to keep them out. Whether it’s sheets, curtains, sewing fabric or samples, or clothes, consider donating these to local charity shops or sharing on social media platforms.

Follow the golden rule of donating: only give items you'd be happy to give to a friend.

Top tips for responsible donating:

• Wash clothing and textiles; it’s far nicer for the sorting staff and helps your stuff find a new home quickly.
• Try to fix what’s broken or take it to a local repair event. Don’t donate broken, ripped or stained items.
• Don’t donate underwear.

If you have clothes that are not suitable to pass on (ripped, stained or too worn), here are a few ways to keep them in use before they go in the rubbish bin:

• Cut up to use as veggie ties or use cleaning rags. Or check in with Marlborough Four Paws or local veterinary clinics. They are often in need of towels or sheets and duvets.

Did you know old clothes can be used as a weed mat in the garden? Old clothes, especially cotton or wool, can be laid on top of weeds and then covered with mulch to suppress weeds and eventually decompose, adding organic matter to the soil. However, it's important to consider the material of the clothes, as synthetic fibres may not be ideal.

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Place clean, leftover-free cardboard fast food containers in the yellow mixed recycling bin. Most plastic fast food containers are made from number 5, though some may be 1 or 2. Check the container for these numbers and put it in the yellow bin if clean. If you can’t find a number, put it in the red rubbish bin.

Marlborough recycling centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Take clean cardboard or recyclable plastic food containers to the Marlborough recycling centre, regional transfer stations, or remote transfer stations.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Try only to purchase what you will need. Fertilisers cannot be disposed of in the kerbside rubbish or recycling bins. Take these to the Hazardous Waste Centre in Blenheim.

Regional transfer stations

Fertilisers are accepted as hazardous waste at any regional transfer station. Please see the attendant before dropping off.

Fencing and vineyard wire that is recoiled where possible can be collected and sold to local scrap dealers. They also accept netting, electric fencing wire, chicken wire, chain link, wire mesh, chain wire, and barbed wire fences.

Trillo Metals Ltd

Phoenix Recycling Group

Transfer stations

Old fencing wire that can be re-coiled where possible is accepted at any transfer station for recycling.

The Salvage Yard at the Dump Shop

Medium-density fibreboard (MDF), particle/chip board and plywood are made from wood fibres. This is commonly found in cabinets and other furniture items.

MDF can’t be recycled, but it can be re-purposed through the Salvage Yard if it is in good reusable condition.

Minimum requirements: ½ a sheet or equivalent, generally 1.2 x 1.2

Transfer stations

MDF that is not fit for reuse is accepted as general waste at any transfer station.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Fire extinguishers can be recycled at the Hazardous Waste Centre in Blenheim. This also covers halon or BCF fire extinguishers (usually yellow).

Regional transfer stations

Fire extinguishers can be recycled at any regional transfer station. Please see the attendant before dropping off.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Before disposing of used fireworks, make sure they have adequately cooled. Douse used fireworks with water and leave them to cool for 24 hours before disposing of them in your red rubbish bin.

Transfer Stations and Remote Transfer Stations

Before disposing of used fireworks, make sure they have properly cooled. Douse used fireworks with water and leave to cool for 24 hours before disposing of them as general waste at any transfer station or remote transfer station.

If you have unused or faulty fireworks, contact the Hazardous Waste Centre (link) for advice on safe disposal.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Before disposing of used flares, make sure they have properly cooled. Douse with water and leave to cool for 24 hours before disposing of them in your red rubbish bin.

Transfer Stations and Remote Transfer Stations

Before disposing of used flares, ensure they have cooled properly. Douse used fireworks with water and leave them to cool for 24 hours before disposing of them as general waste at any transfer station or remote transfer station.

Take any unused or faulty flares to the police station for safe disposal.

The Salvage Yard at the Dump Shop accepts tiles, vinyl, laminate, and carpet in good reusable condition. You might also list these items on local sharing platforms.

Carpets made from natural materials (e.g., wool) can be used as weed matting.

Transfer stations

Vinyl, laminate and carpet not in good reusable condition can be disposed of as general waste at any transfer station.

Broken tiles that cannot be repurposed can be disposed of as hardfill at the Blenheim transfer station.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Many lightbulbs contain components made of hazardous materials like mercury, which can contaminate landfills and pollute waterways. Do not put these in your kerbside bins. Instead, take them to the Hazardous Waste Centre to be safely recycled.

Regional transfer stations

Fluorescent and eco lightbulbs are accepted as hazardous waste at any regional transfer station. Please see attendant before dropping.

Mega Mitre 10 Blenheim

Mega Mitre 10 has launched a product stewardship scheme to reclaim old light bulbs. See in-store for details.

The Dump Shop

The Food and Beverage Carton Recycling Scheme (FBCRS) aims to divert as many cartons as possible from landfill to be recycled into new, low-carbon building products right here in New Zealand. We collect these materials at the Dump Shop and all other regional transfer stations and then send them to Hamilton to be made into SAVEboard.

Cut your cartons along the top and sides, then open them flat. Ensure they are rinsed and clean.

Regional transfer stations

Collection points are located at regional transfer stations.

Marlborough District Council is working on a solution for all our green and food waste. Although food waste is organic, it doesn’t break down in our landfill because there isn’t enough oxygen or light. We want to keep food waste out of our landfill because it produces methane gas and leachate.

Get some useful tips on how you can cut down your food waste
Go to the Love Food Hate Waste website

Try a worm farm, bokashi bin, or home composting bin.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

As a last resort, put your food waste in the red rubbish bin.

Consider getting in contact with a repairer.

Local appliance repairs:

Blenheim Appliance Repairs

If your unwanted appliance still works, think about selling or donating it. If it's in good condition, you could also offer your dishwasher to your local community through sharing platforms. The unwanted Goods Project will accept working whitegoods – they are tested, tagged, and functionally checked before being given to people in need.

Hazardous Waste Centre

If your fridge or freezer is no longer working, take it to the Hazardous Waste Centre for recycling. The team will repurpose as much as they can from the appliance, such as shelves, before recycling.

Old fridges and freezers must be disposed of properly so they can be degassed to capture greenhouse gases, including chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, or Freon gases.

Once safely captured, these chemicals can be purified for reuse or converted into other substances.

The appliance can then be safely scrapped to reclaim the metal.

Fees apply.

Regional transfer stations

Fridges and all domestic whiteware can be dropped off at any regional transfer station. From there, they are taken to the Hazardous Waste Centre in Blenheim. Fees will apply.

Unwanted Goods Project

The Unwanted Goods Project collects, repurposes, and delivers unwanted household goods to connect good quality items with people who need them directly. The project is designed to support the community, especially those without transport, to keep household goods in circulation and out of the landfill. Remember, don’t donate anything you wouldn’t be happy to receive yourself.

Follow this (link) to donate any unwanted furniture.

Dump Shop and other local charities

The Dump Shop and most other local charities accept furniture in good, re-usable condition at no charge.

Transfer stations

Broken furniture in disrepair can be disposed of as general waste at any transfer station.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Gaming consoles can be taken to the Hazardous Waste Centre to be recycled as e-waste.

Charges may apply.

Regional transfer stations

Gaming consoles can be taken to any regional transfer station to be recycled as e-waste. Please see the attendant before dropping off.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Garden chemicals are classified as hazardous waste and can be very dangerous to humans, animals, and environment around us. Don’t put these items in your kerbside bins. Instead, take them to the Hazardous Waste Centre where they will be safely disposed of.

Regional transfer stations

Garden chemicals are not accepted at any regional transfer station. Please take these directly to the Hazardous Waste Centre in Blenheim.

Garden hoses are made of multiple materials that make them difficult to recycle.

The Salvage Yard at the Dump Shop

If the hose is in good condition, donate it to the Salvage Yard for re-use or share it on social media.

If the hose is punctured, consider turning it into a soaker hose by adding more holes.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Hoses that cannot be repaired or reused are accepted as general waste at any transfer station or remote transfer station.

Broken shovel handles are easy to fix. Head to your local hardware store for a new handle. If the repair is beyond your skills, think about taking the item to the repair café where someone can assist you.

The Dump Shop and Salvage Yard

The Dump Shop and Salvage Yard accepts all types of garden tools and accessories in good reusable condition, including garden hoses, irrigation pipes, garden tools, pots and planters, shade cloth, and more. You could also reach out on your local sharing platforms to see if it is useful for someone else.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Smaller items unsuitable for reuse or repair can go in the red kerbside rubbish bin.

Transfer stations

Garden tools and hardware that can't be reused can be taken to any transfer station for disposal.

Gas bottles can be swapped and refilled at most petrol stations.

Hazardous waste centre

Never put butane gas bottles, cannisters, and helium cylinders in any kerbside bins, as they can cause fires within the collection trucks. These can all be safely recycled at the Hazardous Waste Centre.

Regional transfer stations

Gas bottles, cannisters, and helium cylinders are accepted for safe recycling at any transfer station. Please see attendant before dropping.

The Salvage Yard at the Dump Shop

The Salvage Yard accepts GIB board in good, reusable condition.

Minimum requirements: ½ sheet, generally 1.2 x 1.2

We are working on a solution to recycle non-reusable GIB board back into gypsum for use in gardens. We will notify the community when this is up and running.

Transfer Stations

GIB board that cannot be reused is accepted as general waste at transfer stations.

Donate your pre-loved prescription glasses and sunnies to Specsavers, who will pass them on to people in need overseas.
Find more information on the community and engagement program webpage on the Specsavers website

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Prescription glasses can’t be recycled. These should be disposed of in the red kerbside wheelie bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Prescription glasses are accepted as general waste at any transfer station or remote transfer station.

Glass recycling crate

Put clean glass bottles and jars in your glass recycling crate.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

The following glass needs to go in the red rubbish bin as they all have a different chemical composition to glass bottles and jars and cause problems during the manufacture of new glass bottles and jars:

• broken drinking and wine glasses
• heat-proof glass (pyrex)
• perfume bottles
• moisturiser jars
• candle glass

Crockery contaminates recycling, too. Put broken cups, bowls and plates in the rubbish bin. Lids go in the rubbish too.

Glass bottles for reuse

Refillable glass beer bottles that can be washed and reused (e.g. Emersons, Speights/ABC swappa-crate)

Glass kerbside crate

Glass roll-on deodorants can be recycled in the glass crate at the kerbside. Before recycling, make sure to pop out the plastic roller ball and remove the lid.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations, remote transfer stations

Glass roll-on deodorants can be recycled in the glass bins at the Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations. Before recycling, make sure to pop out the plastic roller ball and remove the lid.

Glass kerbside crate

Glass medicine bottles can be recycled. Be sure to rinse well and remove any plastic lids.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations, remote transfer stations

Glass medicine bottles can be recycled in the glass bins at the Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations, and remote transfer stations. Before recycling, ensure they are rinsed well and any plastic lids are removed.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Glass perfume bottles have a different composition from glass bottles and jars. This means they are not recyclable. Put these in the red rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Glass perfume bottles are accepted as general waste at transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Disposable gloves are not recyclable. Put these in your red kerbside rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Disposable gloves are accepted as general waste at transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

Blenheim and Picton transfer stations

There are currently no commercial composting facilities in Marlborough. Green waste is instead shredded and used as mulch.

Grass should be delivered separately from green waste due to the potential presence of pesticides and herbicides. Cabbage tree leaves also need to be kept separate, as they don’t break down. These items are treated as general waste.

For clarity, unsorted mixed loads of grass and green waste will be treated as grass, charged at the grass rate, and sent to landfill for disposal.

If you have a split load of separated grass and green waste, you will have to weigh in twice to avoid paying a mixed load charge. Minimum weight charges will also apply.

Go to the Greenwaste webpage for fees

Unwanted guns and other weapons should be taken to the Blenheim police station for safe disposal. Never place these items in your kerbside recycling or rubbish bins.

Blenheim transfer station

Domestic quantities of concrete or hardfill are accepted for recycling at the Blenheim Transfer Station. This cannot be contaminated with soil, grass or other green waste. Fees apply.

Hardfill includes:

• concrete
• rock
• gravel
• silt and clay
• bricks
• tiles
• pavers
• ceramics
• weathered dry asphalt
• a small amount of reinforcing steel is acceptable

No wood

No asbestos

For commercial quantities of concrete or hardfill please email wmm@marlborough.govt.nz

Hazardous waste centre

Domestic quantities of hazardous waste can be disposed of free of charge. Commercial materials may incur a fee for disposal. Please call ahead for commercial loads on 03 578 9622.

Much of the hazardous waste is sent away for recycling, so not only do you help ensure the environment is safe for future generations by keeping hazardous waste out of the landfill, but you also play a part in enabling the recycling of the materials.

Go to the Hazardous Waste webpage for items that are accepted

Regional transfer stations

Domestic quantities of some types of Hazardous Waste can be dropped at any of the regional transfer stations free of charge. See below as to what is accepted:

• Aerosols
• Antifreeze and coolants
• Lead acid batteries
• Fluorescent light tubes, compact fluorescent light bulbs and metal halide bulbs
• LPG cylinders, camping cylinders, welding cylinders, car LPG tanks and butane cylinders.
• Fire extinguishers – including yellow BCF fire extinguishers
• Paint and paint- related material
• Waste oil
• Small batteries

Commercial loads need to be taken to the Hazardous Waste Centre in Blenheim.

You can donate your old hearing aids at any Bay Audiology Clinic in NZ. Hearing aid batteries can be recycled through the small batteries recycling bins.
Go to the Dry Cell and Small Batteries webpage for locations

Hazardous waste centre

The Hazardous waste centre accepts oil and electric heaters as e-waste to be recycled. Fees apply.
Go to the e-waste webpage for more details

Regional transfer stations

Heaters can also be dropped in the E-waste section at any regional transfer station. Please see the attendant before dropping off.

Fees may apply.

Hazardous waste centre

Never put butane cannisters, gas bottles and helium cylinders in any kerbside bins, as they can cause fires within the collection trucks. These can all be safely recycled at the Hazardous Waste Centre.

Regional transfer stations

Butane cannisters, gas bottles and helium cylinders are accepted at any regional transfer station to be safely recycled. Please see attendant before dropping off.

A hot water cylinder contains valuable metals and is easily recyclable.

Check out the providers below to recycle your scrap metal:.

Trillo Metals Ltd

Pheonix Recycling Group

Transfer stations

Hot water cylinders can be taken to transfer stations and put in the steel bins for recycling.

Hazardous Waste Centre

The Hazardous Waste Centre also accept ink cartridges for recycling.

Warehouse Stationary

Warehouse Stationery’s and cartridge recycling programme is available for all customers from households to large businesses. Any brand of ink cartridges, toner cartridges, drum cartridges and labelling cassettes can be recycled here free of charge.

Warehouse Stationery works with Brother, in partnership with e-waste specialists Recycling Group, to offer a comprehensive recycling programme for all our customers, with recycling boxes available in all Warehouse Stationery stores. Together, approximately 99% by weight of your old toner or ink cartridges can be recycled into various new pathways.

The Salvage Yard at the Dump Shop

The Salvage Yard at the Dump Shop accepts insulation of various types in good reusable condition. These include:

• Glass wool/wool blend/synthetic
• Coated rolls and components from HVAC applications
• Panels and sheet insulation

It is generally preferred that these are unused offcuts or in a near-new condition. All batt-type insulation or loose items need to be bagged and securely taped before acceptance.

Minimum acceptable sizes apply:

• Batts - min. size - half batt
• Panel - min. size - 1m2
• Pipe insulation - min. size - 1m length

You can also list insulation on your local sharing platform for reuse.

Future Post in Blenheim can recycle irrigation piping. The requirements are:

• Coiled no wider than 1mtr or higher than 700mm – tied off with a piece of dripline
• No clumps of dirt – clean as possible
• No wire or unrecyclable material – small crimp clips are ok

Please contact them before bringing in any material as the site is not open to the general public. For more information or to organise a drop-off please call 027 450 9816 or email teena@futurepost.co.nz

Plasback provides recycling solutions for farmers, including silage wrap, silage covers, grain bags, polypropylene bags, twines, large drum recovery, vine nets and irrigation pipe. For more information, contact Plasback 0508 338 240 or go to the Plasback website

Iron or steel nails, screws, cutlery, pots, pans, vehicle parts, etc, are valuable, recyclable materials. Always consider whether these can be re-purposed before recycling and never send these to landfill.

The Dump Shop

The Dump Shop accepts of these items for re-use through the Unwanted Goods Project, the shop or the Salvage Yard.

Check out the providers below to recycle your scrap metal if items are beyond reuse.

Trillo Metals Ltd

Pheonix recycling group

Transfer stations

Iron and other metals can be taken to transfer stations and put in the steel bins for recycling.

Regional transfer stations and the Dump Shop

Jar lids can’t go in your kerbside recycling bin as they are too small to be sorted at the recycling centre. In Marlborough, we have set up our own caps and lids recycling collection points based at the Dump Shop and all staffed transfer stations. There is also a collection point at the Envirohub in Picton.

The Salvage Yard at the Dump Shop

Joinery ranges from cabinets for kitchens or vanities (full kitchens, individual carcasses, parts or offcuts to hardware such as handles, hinges, drawer sliders and runners) to windows, doorframes and even staircases.

The Salvage Yard accepts these for reuse in good reusable condition.

If you don’t want to receive junk mail, pop a “No Junk Mail” sign on your letterbox.

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Junk mail can be recycled in your yellow mixed recycling bin.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Junk mail can be recycled at the Marlborough Recycling Centre or in the yellow mixed recycling bins at regional transfer stations or remote transfer stations.

Kerosene is derived from petroleum and is compostablecombustible. Never put kerosene in your red rubbish bin or treat as general waste at transfer stations or remote transfer stations. Kerosene is a hazardous waste and needs to be disposed of safely.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Take kerosene to the Hazardous Waste Centre for safe disposal.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Jugs and electric kettles are considered a type of e-waste. Take these to the Hazardous Waste Centre, where they will be tagged and tested. If they are found to be in safe, re-usable condition they are then either used within the Unwanted Goods Project, where products are given to those in need, or they are re-sold through the Dump Shop.

Items beyond repair are recycled.

The Salvage Yard at the Dump Shop

The Salvage Yard accepts kKitchen sinks for re-use. You could also consider sharing on social media platforms.

Kitchen sinks tend to be made from stainless steel, enamel or cast iron. If your sink can’t be re-homed, take it to a scrap dealer for recycling.

Trillo Metals Ltd

Pheonix recycling group

Transfer stations

Sinks are accepted at transfer stations in the steel bin for recycling.

Laptops can be recycled as e-waste at the Hazardous Waste Centre. Fees may apply.
Go to the e-waste webpage for more information

You can also recycle laptops at the following locations. Check their website to see what is accepted.

Noel Leaming

Phoenix Recycling Group

Lawn mowers, weed whackers, hedge trimmers and other motorised gardening equipment are normally worth getting repaired. Check out Mike’s Mowers and Chainsaws for Marlborough’s specialist
Go to Mike’s Mowers and Chainsaws website

If your mower or other motorised gardening tool is still in good working condition, you could consider selling it or giving it away on local sharing platforms.

The Salvage Yard at the Dump Shop

The Salvage Yard accepts lawn mowers and other motorised tools in various conditions for re-use or parts. Please check with the attendant before dropping off goods.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Landline phones can be recycled as e-waste at the Hazardous Waste Centre. Fees may apply.
Go to the e-waste webpage for more information

Leftover food can never be put in the yellow kerbside recycling bin as it causes contamination.

Check out Love Food Hate Waste for some great tips and tricks to waste less food and save more money!
Go to the Love Food Hate Waste website

Compost anything that can’t be used or stored.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Put anything that can’t be used, stored or composted in the red rubbish bin.

Metal and plastic lids can’t go in your kerbside recycling bin as they are too small to be sorted at the recycling centre. In Marlborough, we have set up our own caps and lids recycling collection points based at the Dump Shop and all staffed transfer stations. There is also a collection point at the Envirohub in Picton.

Types of lids accepted:

• Flip-top/hinged caps
• Screw caps
• Milk bottle caps
• Ice cream container lids
• Yoghurt and dip lids
  (please do not include the peel-off film)
• Supplement bottle lids
• Household cleaning lids
• Shampoo & cosmetic lids

No coffee cup lids

No glass

No pumps and triggers

Which metals can be deposited?

• Crown caps (bottle caps)
• Jar lids
• Ring pull caps
• Wire from sparkling drinks
• Metal screw top caps
• Aluminium lids
• Wine lids
• Food tin lids

No coffee pods please

Textile waste is one of the most significant contributors to landfill. Below are some ideas on how we can help divert this product from the waste stream.

The Dump Shop and some other local op shops accept linen and Manchester in good reusable condition. Please make sure it’s clean and free from rips and tears.

Approach your local vet clinic or Marlborough Four Paws (link) who often require linen for pet care.

Did you know textiles can be used as a weed mat in the garden? Old linen or manchester, especially cotton or wool, can be laid over weeds and then covered with mulch to suppress and eventually decompose, adding organic matter to the soil. However, it's important to consider the fabric’s composition, as synthetic fibres may not be ideal.

Never place batteries in your kerbside rubbish or recycling bins as they can cause fires in the collection trucks or within the landfill when compacted. Even if they don’t cause a fire, old batteries contain chemicals and other materials that are harmful to the environment and take hundreds of years to break down.

As long as the batteries are not damaged or modified, lithium-ion batteries listed below can be collected at multiple locations throughout Marlborough.
Go to Collection points on the Dry Cell and Small Batteries webpage

If you have damaged or modified batteries, please take them directly to the Hazardous Waste Centre.

Hazardous Waste Centre

All lithium batteries, such as rechargeable, AA size, EV batteries or batteries from off-grid set-ups can be taken to the Hazardous Waste Centre for recycling if they are not damaged or modified, or for safe disposal.

Regional transfer stations

Small lithium ion batteries can be taken to any regional transfer stations for recycling as long as they are not damaged or modified. If you have large batteries from EVs or off-grid set-ups, or damaged or modified batteries, please take these directly to the Hazardous Waste Centre.

Liquid petroleum gas cylinders can be swapped and refilled at most petrol stations.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Never put gas cylinders or cannisters in any kerbside bins as they can cause fires within the collection trucks. These can all be safely recycled at the Hazardous Waste Centre.

Regional transfer stations

LPG cylinders or cannisters are accepted for safe recycling at any transfer station. Please see the attendant before dropping off.

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Clean and dry magazines can be recycled in your yellow mixed recycling bin.

Wet or water-damaged magazines have to go in your red rubbish bin.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Recycle magazines at the Marlborough Recycling Centre, or in the comingled yellow bins at any of the regional or remote transfer stations.

The Dump Shop

The Dump Shop accepts mattresses in good reusable condition (e.g. no stains or significant damage) to be repurposed through either the Unwanted Goods Project or the Dump Shop.

You could also use a local sharing platform to share them with others.

Transfer stations

Mattresses that are not in good re-usable condition are accepted as general waste at transfer stations.

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Cardboard takeaway food boxes from McDonald’s can be recycled in the yellow recycling bin. Ensure you remove any remnants of food.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Recycle takeaway cardboard food boxes from McDonald’s that are free of remnants in the cardboard bins at the Marlborough Recycling Centre, the regional transfer stations or remote transfer stations.

Try to buy only what you need and remember to check what’s in the freezer and use it up.

Love Food Hate Waste has some great ideas on how to reduce your food waste
Go to the Love Food Hate Waste website

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Meat scraps that can’t be used go in the red rubbish bin

Bluegums Landfill

Dead farm or hunting animals or offal can’t go in any of your kerbside bins. Nor can they be taken to transfer stations or remote transfer stations. Please take these directly to Bluegums landfill. Charges apply.

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Plastic meat and food trays (number 1), go in your yellow recycling bin. Ensure they are rinsed and clean.

Remove the absorbent meat pad and put it in the red rubbish bin.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Recycle clean plastic meat trays (number 1) at the Marlborough Recycling Centre or at any of the regional transfer stations or remote transfer stations in the comingled yellow bins.

Hazardous Waste Centre

The Hazardous Waste Centre accepts mercury thermometers as hazardous waste for safe disposal.

Regional transfer stations

Old mercury thermometers can be disposed of at any regional transfer station as hazardous waste. Please see an attendant before dropping it off.

Never flush old medicines down the toilet. Contact your local pharmacy to return any medicine for safe disposal.

If you have ongoing medical waste, such as dialysis waste, biohazardous material, or similar, contact your doctor to arrange the best disposal options.

Hazardous Waste Centre

If you have one-off disposal of this type of material, get in touch with the team at the Hazardous Waste Centre on 03 578 9622

These food and beverage cartons, sometimes referred to as Tetrapak*, cannot be recycled in the kerbside collection bins.

The Dump Shop

The Food and Beverage Carton Recycling Scheme (FBCRS) aims to divert as many cartons as possible from landfill, recycling them into new, low-carbon building products here in New Zealand. We collect these at the Dump Shop and other regional transfer stations and send them to Hamilton to be made into SAVEboard.

Cut your cartons along the top and sides, then open them flat. Ensure they are rinsed and clean.

Regional transfer stations

Collection points are located at regional transfer stations.

The Dump Shop

The Dump Shop accepts unbroken mirrors for reuse through either the Unwanted Goods Project or the shop. You could also take unbroken mirrors to most other charity shops in Marlborough, share them on local social media sites.

Red kerbside rubbish bin (broken)

Mirrors are made from delicate glass, which cannot be recycled. Carefully wrap broken mirror glass and place it in your red rubbish bin

Although mixing bowls are often made from plastic or glass, they are generally not recyclable. This includes ceramic mixing bowls. Take mixing bowls to the Dump Shop, where they are re-purposed through the Unwanted Goods Project or through the shop. Many other charity shops will also accept mixing bowls, or you could consider giving them away to friends or family or sharing on local social media platforms.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Mixing bowls that cannot be rehomed can go in your red rubbish bin. Remember to carefully wrap glass or ceramic bowls to prevent breakage.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Mixing bowls that cannot be rehomed are accepted as general waste at transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

Mobile Phones

Go to ‘Cell Phones’

Hazardous Waste Centre

Multi plugs are a type of e-waste. Take these to the Hazardous Waste Centre, where they will be tagged and tested for re-use or recycling.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Nappies go in the red kerbside bin. Never put nappies in your recycling bin. They contaminate recycling if they end up in the yellow bins, and it's not very pleasant for our hard-working crew who hand-sort the district's recycling.

Compostable nappies can also be placed in the red kerbside bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Dispose of nappies and general waste at any of the transfer stations or remote transfer stations.

Never dispose of sharps in your kerbside rubbish or recycling bins, public rubbish or recycling bins or transfer stations. Always place loose needles and other sharps into approved sharps containers.

Contact your local pharmacy, medical centre or provider to see if they offer a service where you can bring your used sharps back for safe disposal.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Netting onion bags can’t be recycled. They are great for storing bulbs or garlic. If you can’t find a reuse for them, they must go in the red rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Netting onion bags that you can’t find another use for are accepted as general waste at transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Recycle dry newspaper in the yellow recycling bin.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Dry newspaper can be recycled at the Marlborough Recycling Centre or in the yellow comingled bins at transfer stations or remote transfer stations.

Consider contacting a repairer.

Local appliance repairs:

Go to Blenheim Appliance Repairs website

If your unwanted appliance is still working, think about selling or donating it. If it's in good condition, you could also offer your oven to your community via your local sharing platforms.

Hazardous Waste Centre

If your oven is broken, take it to the Hazardous Waste Centre for recycling. The team will repurpose as much as they can from the appliance, such as racks or trays, before recycling the scrap metal.

Regional transfer stations

Ovens and all domestic whiteware are accepted at any regional transfer station. From here, they are transported to the Hazardous Waste Centre in Blenheim. Fees apply.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Domestic quantities of used engine oil can be dropped off at the Hazardous Waste Centre for recycling. There is a charge for quantities over 20 litres.

Regional transfer stations

Domestic quantities of used engine oil can be dropped off at any of the regional transfer stations for recycling. There is a charge for quantities over 20 litres.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Oil filters are drained of oil and crushed for recycling. Take oil filters to the Hazardous Waste Centre.

If you have commercial quantities of waste oil filters, you can check out suitable recycling options online, or you can contact the team at the Hazardous Waste Centre, and they can assist you.

Regional transfer stations

Domestic quantities of oil filters are accepted at any of the regional transfer stations for recycling.

Paint should never be placed in your yellow recycling bin or your red waste bin, as it contains chemicals that can be harmful to both the environment and human health.

To avoid waste, ensure you measure the area you plan to paint carefully and consult with your local retailer. Leftover paint that is stored correctly can last for years. Save it for touch-ups or a base coat for another area.

Cover the top of the paint container with plastic wrap, securely place the lid on, and store it upside down. The paint will form a tight seal around the lid, keeping it fresher until next use. Keep it away from extreme heat or cold.

Hazardous Waste Centre

The Hazardous Waste Centre accepts leftover paint and paint-related materials for either repurposing, if there is enough in the can, or to dispose of safely, minimising environmental harm. You can also take your empty paint cans and pails here, too.

Regional transfer stations

Paint can be dropped off at the hazardous waste section at any of the regional transfer stations. Please see the attendant before dropping.

Resene Colorshop

Unwanted paint can be taken to your local Resene Colorshop for recycling or safe disposal.

Go to more information on the Resene website

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Clean and dry paper, including junk mail, newspapers and office paper can be recycled in your yellow mixed recycling bin.

We can’t recycle shredded paper at our facility because it jams the machines and is hard to bale. Shredded paper is excellent for your home compost; otherwise, put it in the red rubbish bin. Paper contaminated with food or grease should also go in the red rubbish bin.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Clean and dry paper, including junk mail, newspapers and office paper can be recycled at the Marlborough Recycling Centre or in the yellow mixed recycling bins at any of the regional or remote transfer stations.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Because pens have different components, such as plastic, ink, and metal, they can’t be recycled at the kerbside and need to go in your red rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Pens and other writing tools that are no longer usable are accepted as general waste at any of the transfer stations or remote transfer stations.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Perfume bottles are made of a different type of glass and severely contaminate glass recycling. Never put these in your glass recycling crate. Instead, put them in the red rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Perfume bottles are accepted as general waste at any transfer station or remote transfer station in the region.

Donate pet toys, beds, bowls, and other pet accessories in good reusable condition to Marlborough Four Paws , The Dump Shop, or any other accepting local charity shop.

Pet medications should be treated in the same way as human medications - consult your veterinarian about returning unused products for safe disposal.

You could also put these items on local sharing platforms to pass them on.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Take old fuel, such as petrol, two-stroke mix, and diesel, to the Hazardous Waste Centre for safe disposal.

Regional transfer stations

Small quantities of petrol, two-stroke mix and diesel are accepted at regional transfer stations in the hazardous waste section.

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Pizza boxes free of food and grease can be recycled in your yellow recycling bin.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Pizza boxes free of food and grease can be recycled at the Marlborough Recycling Centre or at any of the regional transfer stations or remote transfer stations in the cardboard bins.

Pasta and rice bags are a soft plastic and cannot be recycled in your kerbside recycling bin.

You can recycle soft plastics at any of the drop off locations listed below:

• New World Blenheim
• The Warehouse
• Woolworths Blenheim
• Woolworths Redwoodtown
• Woolworths Springlands
• The Dump Shop

You can also recycle soft plastics at any regional transfer station.

Soft plastics are collected by the Packaging Forum to be recycled locally by Future Post into fence and vineyard posts and garden frames for households.

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Plant pots marked #5 can go in the yellow recycling bin. Please ensure they are clean and free from roots.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Plant pots marked #5 can be recycled at the Marlborough Recycling Centre or at any regional transfer station or remote transfer station in the yellow comingled recycling bins.

Mitre 10 Mega

Mitre 10 has a "Pot Recycle" program where customers can return clean plastic plant and seedling pots (made of plastic ID 5) and labels to any Mitre 10 store for recycling. The returned pots are then shredded, melted, and remoulded into new pots.

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Most plastic cleaning bottles are made from type 1 or 2 plastic. These can be placed in your yellow recycling bin. Always check the numbered triangle and remove the trigger lid. This part is made from a different type of plastic and is not recyclable.

Marlborough recycling centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Plastic cleaning bottles marked with numbers 1 or 2 are accepted at the Marlborough Recycling Centre, as well as at regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations, in the yellow co-mingled bins. Remember to remove the lid.

Plastic bags, e.g., bread bags, cereal liners, chip packets, etc, are soft plastic and cannot be recycled in your kerbside recycling bin.

You can recycle your bread bags and other oft plastics at any of the drop off locations listed below:

• New World Blenheim
• The Warehouse
• Woolworths Blenheim
• Woolworths Redwoodtown
• Woolworths Springlands
• The Dump Shop

You can also recycle soft plastics at any regional transfer station.

Soft plastics are collected by the Packaging Forum to be recycled locally by Future Post into fencing and vineyard posts, and garden frames for households.

Number 1 plastics (PET) include items such as soft drink and water bottles, meat trays, cleaning product bottles, berry & tomato punnets, personal care bottles, and plastic shells for muffins and baked goods.

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Number 1 plastics can be collected at the kerbside. Put these in your yellow bin.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Number 1 plastics can be recycled at the Marlborough Recycling Centre or in the yellow comingled bins at transfer stations or remote transfer stations.

Number 2 plastics (HDPE) include items like milk bottles, shampoo and soap bottles and cleaning product bottles.

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Number 2 plastics can be collected at the kerbside. Put these in your yellow bin.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Number 2 plastics can be recycled at the Marlborough Recycling Centre or in the yellow comingled bins at transfer stations or remote transfer stations.

Number 3 plastics (PVC) are used in items such as biscuit and cracker trays, as well as toys and cling wrap.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Number 3 plastics can’t be recycled. Put these in your red rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Number 3 plastics are accepted as general waste at transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

Number 4 plastic (LDPE) is used for items such as squeezable sauce bottles, bread bags, plastic bags, bubble wrap, chip packets, and most other soft plastics.

Bread bags are made of soft plastic and cannot be recycled in your kerbside recycling bin. They are handy to have for numerous reuses, extending their lifespan beyond holding bread.

You can recycle your bread bags and other oft plastics at any of the drop off locations listed below:

• New World Blenheim
• The Warehouse
• Woolworths Blenheim
• Woolworths Redwoodtown
• Woolworths Springlands
• The Dump Shop

You can also recycle soft plastics at any regional transfer station.

Soft plastics are collected by the Packaging Forum to be recycled locally by Future Post into fence and vineyard posts and garden frames for households.

Number 5 plastic (polypropylene) is used for items such as large ice cream containers, large yoghurt tubs, clear takeaway containers, margarine containers, and dip pottles.

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Number 5 plastics can be collected at kerbside. Put these in your yellow bin.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Number 5 plastics can be recycled at the Marlborough Recycling Centre or in the yellow comingled bins at transfer stations or remote transfer stations.

Number 6 plastic (polystyrene) is used for items such as yoghurt six-packs, sour cream, and cottage cheese containers.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Number 6 plastics cannot be recycled in New Zealand. Put these in your red rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Number 6 plastics are accepted as general waste at transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

Number 7 plastic types are all other sorts of plastic that don’t fit into the categories 1-6, or mixed or multilayer packaging. Number 7 plastics are used for items like fresh pasta packaging, and sliced meat packaging and lids. They also include bioplastics, such as plant-based plastic takeaway smoothie cups.

Beware of things that claim to be compostable packaging or are labelled as bioplastic or compostable plastic. They are neither recyclable nor compostable. Avoid number 7 plastics altogether.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Number 7 plastics cannot be recycled in New Zealand. Put these in your red rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Number 7 plastics are accepted as general waste at transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

The Salvage Yard at the Dump Shop

The salvage yard accepts plumbing hardware for reuse, including good condition baths, sinks, shower mixers, taps, along with plumbing fittings & fixtures, pipes, and bathroom accessories. Plain pipework must be free of punctures or penetrations. Minimum length = 1m.

Traps and accessories must be undamaged.

You can also list your plumbing items on local sharing platforms for reuse.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Plumbing hardware cannot be recycled. Smaller items can be placed in the red bin for rubbish.

Transfer stations

Plumbing hardware that is unsuitable for reuse can also be disposed of at any of the transfer stations located around the region.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Poisons are classified as hazardous waste and cannot go in your kerbside rubbish or recycling bins. Instead, take poisons to the Hazardous Waste Centre.

Domestic quantities of hazardous waste are free to dispose of; commercial materials may incur a charge for disposal.

Please phone ahead if you are unsure.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Polystyrene packaging currently can’t be recycled in Marlborough. Small amounts can go in the red rubbish bin. Don’t place larger pieces of polystyrene in as you risk compacting the bin, meaning our collection trucks won’t be able to empty it effectively.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Polystyrene packaging can be disposed of as general waste at any transfer station or remote transfer station.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Never dispose of pool chemicals in your red rubbish bin, transfer stations or remote transfer stations. Instead, take them to the Hazardous Waste Centre for safe disposal.

The Dump Shop

The Dump Shop accepts unbranded work boots and hi vis in good condition for reuse.

You can also list your PPE on local sharing platforms for reuse.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Masks and other PPE unsuitable for reuse can be disposed of in your red rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Masks and other PPE unsuitable for reuse can be disposed of as general waste at any transfer stations or remote transfer stations in the region.

Red kerbside rubbish bins

Tube containers are made from a combination of materials, including plastic, paper, and metal. When products are mixed, it makes them difficult to recycle. Please place these in the red rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Pringles and other tube containers are accepted as general waste at transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Printers can be recycled as e-waste at the Hazardous Waste Centre. See “E-waste” for more information.

Fees may apply. See here for more detail (link)

You can also recycle printers at the following locations. Check their website to see what is accepted.

Noel Leaming

Phoenix Recycling Group

Hazardous Waste Centre

Printer cartridges can be recycled at the Hazardous Waste Centre.

You can also recycle printer cartridges at the following locations:

Warehouse Stationary

Harvey Norman

Disposable razors aren't recyclable. Consider choosing a reusable one.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Dispose of razors safely in the red rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Disposable razors are accepted as general waste at transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Receipt paper, such as EFTPOS receipts, grocery receipts, etc, is not recyclable due to the chemical coating on the paper. If you don’t need a receipt, let the teller know. Otherwise, receipts go in the red rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Keep receipts out of recycling. They are accepted as general waste at transfer stations or remote transfer stations.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Rope is made from fibres, strands, and yarn and cannot be recycled. Make sure you get the most out of your rope. When it is at its end of life, dispose of it in the red rubbish bin to send it to landfill.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Rope that is at the end of its lifespan is accepted as general waste and sent to landfills at transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

Small plastic bags that tear open such as noodle flavour sachets or DIY furniture kit bags can be recycled through the soft plastics recycling scheme.

You can recycle soft plastics at any of the drop off locations listed below:

• New World Blenheim
• The Warehouse
• Woolworths Blenheim
• Woolworths Redwoodtown
• Woolworths Springlands
• The Dump Shop

You can also recycle soft plastics at any regional transfer station.

Soft plastics are collected by the Packaging Forum to be recycled locally by Future Post into fence and vineyard posts and garden frames for households.

Many single-use sanitary pads and tampons contain plastic and will potentially never break down in a landfill. Why not give reusable menstrual products a try? As well as being kinder to the environment, they’ll save you a lot of money in the long run.
Go to more information on Reusable Menstrual Products

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Sanitary items should never be flushed down the toilet or put in your recycling bins. Put these in the red rubbish bin. Please take care when disposing of sanitary items so they do not contaminate our recycling streams or impact our wastewater system.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

These items are accepted as general waste at the transfer stations or remote transfer stations.

The Dump Shop

Always try to reuse before recycling. If you have scrap metals such as roofing iron, nails, and other hardware, chimney flues, metal bed frames, or pots and pans that are in good reusable condition, take them to the Dump Shop or consider putting items on local sharing platforms.

Transfer Stations

Scrap metal that cannot be reused can be freely deposited at the Blenheim Transfer Station for recycling.However, there is a fee to deposit scrap metal at any of the regional transfer stations.

Scrap metal dealers

You can also contact local scrap metal dealers who will often pay you for your scrap metal.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Sewing machines and overlockers are considered e-waste. Take these to the Hazardous Waste Centre where they will test and tag. If it is in good working order, it will be re-purposed through the Dump Shop.

You might also think about sharing sewing machines and overlockers on local social media pages.

Regional transfer stations

Drop broken sewing machines at any of the regional transfer stations' hazardous waste area.

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Shampoo and conditioner bottles are generally number 1 or 2 plastic, so can go in your yellow kerbside recycling bin. Always remove the lid and rinse the bottle. Remember always to check the numbered triangle. If you are unsure, or it doesn’t have a number, put it in the red rubbish bin.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Recycle shampoo and conditioner bottles at the Marlborough Recycling Centre or in the comingled bins at transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

Donate your unwanted shoes in good condition to a thrift shop, swap them with friends, or host a garage sale. You could also offer unwanted items to your community through your local sharing platforms.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Smoke alarms are considered a type of e-waste and can be safely recycled at the Hazardous Waste Centre.

Regional transfer stations

Take broken smoke alarms to the hazardous waste area at any regional transfer stations.

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Soft drink bottles are usually made from number 1 or 2 plastics, so they can go in your yellow kerbside recycling bin. Remember to remove the lid! Dispose of the lid in the rubbish bin or take it to any collection point at transfer stations or the Dump Shop.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Recycle soft drink bottles at the Marlborough Recycling Centre or in the comingled bins at transfer stations and remote transfer stations. Remove lids and put these in the lid recycling bins at the transfer stations or Dump Shop.

Soft plastic bags, such as bread bags, cereal liners, and chip packets, are considered soft plastics and cannot be recycled in your kerbside recycling bin.

You can recycle plastic bags at any of the drop off locations listed below:

• New World Blenheim
• The Warehouse
• Woolworths Blenheim
• Woolworths Redwoodtown
• Woolworths Springlands
• The Dump Shop

You can also recycle soft plastics at any regional transfer station.

Did you know most lids are also considered soft plastic? But they need to be collected separately from plastic bags. We have lids collection points at the Dump Shop and at regional transfer stations.

Soft plastics are collected by the Packaging Forum to be recycled locally by Future Post into fence and vineyard posts and garden frames for households.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Solvents include furniture stripper, turpentine, paint thinner, nail polish remover, degreasers, lubricating oils, fuels etc. Never put these in your kerbside bins or dispose of them as general waste. We need to keep solvents out of our landfill.

Take solvents to the Hazardous Waste Centre for safe recycling or disposal.

Regional transfer stations

Regional transfer stations accept small quantities of solvents in the hazardous waste section. Please see an attendant before dropping off.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Speakers are considered a type of e-waste. Take these to the Hazardous Waste Centre, where they are tagged, tested, and either recycled or repurposed.

You could also consider sharing working speakers on local social media platforms.

Regional transfer stations

Drop broken speakers to the hazardous waste area at any of the regional transfer stations.

The Dump Shop

The Dump Shop and some other local charities accept all types of sports equipment in good reusable condition. Please don’t donate anything broken.

Items like helmets and life jackets can’t be accepted because they don’t meet safety standards. You might try sharing these on local platforms.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Small pieces of sports equipment not suitable for reuse can go in the red rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Sports equipment that is not suitable for reuse can be disposed of as general waste at any of the transfer stations or remote transfer stations.

Stainless steel is a valuable resource that needs to be kept out of landfill.

The Dump Shop and other local charities

Donate stainless steel products in good reusable condition to the Dump Shop, where they will either be repurposed through the Unwanted Goods Project or sold in the Dump Shop. Most other local charities also accept stainless steel items.

Transfer Stations

Stainless steel items that cannot be reused should be placed in the steel bins at transfer stations. Please be aware that there is a fee for this service at all regional transfer stations.

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Empty and clean steel or tin cans that are under 4 litres in size can go in the yellow recycling bin. You don’t need to crush these.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Empty and clean steel or tin cans can be recycled at the Marlborough Recycling Centre and in the yellow comingled bins at regional and remote transfer stations.

It is estimated that 295 million single-use takeaway cups end up in landfill each year. Consider buying a reusable coffee cup. They are reasonably priced, and if you have one coffee daily, it would have paid for itself in about a month. Many coffee shops also offer a discount when you bring your own cup, so it's a win/win!

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Put takeaway cups and lids in the red rubbish bin. They are neither recyclable nor compostable.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Takeaway cups and lids are accepted as general waste at transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

Tea bags

Did you know many tea bags contain microplastics? Which means the casing is not compostable. Try to look for teabags that are plastic-free, like Healtheries, or opt for a tea leaf brew in a pot.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Tea bags go in the red rubbish bin.

The Dump Shop

The Food and Beverage Carton Recycling Scheme (FBCRS) aims to divert as many cartons as possible from landfill so they can be recycled into new, low-carbon building products right here in New Zealand. We collect these at the Dump Shop and other regional transfer stations and send them to Hamilton to be made into SAVEboard.

Cut your cartons along the top and sides, then open them flat. Ensure they are rinsed and clean.

Regional transfer stations

Collection points are located at regional transfer stations.

Textile waste is a major contributor to landfills. Here are some top tips on how we can help keep this material out of the waste stream. Donate your clean, good condition clothes to an op shop, swap with friends, or hold a garage sale. You can also offer unwanted items to your community via local sharing platforms. Follow the golden rule of donating: only give away items you'd be happy to receive yourself.

Top tips for responsible donating:

• Wash your clothes and textiles—it’s much nicer for the sorting staff and helps your items find a new home faster.

• Try to repair broken items or take them to a local repair event. Avoid donating broken, ripped, or stained items.

• Do not donate underwear.

If your clothes are not suitable to pass on (ripped, stained, or too worn), here are some ways to repurpose them before discarding:

• Cut up clothes to use as veggie ties or cleaning rags. Alternatively, check in with Marlborough Four Paws or local veterinary clinics, as they often need towels or sheets/duvet covers.

Did you know old clothes can be used as a weed mat in the garden? Especially cotton or wool garments can be laid on top of weeds and covered with mulch to suppress weeds. Over time, they decompose and add organic matter to the soil. However, consider the material of the clothes, as synthetic fibres may not be suitable.

The Salvage Yard at the Dump Shop

Take unbroken tiles to the Salvage Yard for re-use. You could also share these to give away or sell on social media sites.

Blenheim transfer station

Ceramic tiles are made from a mixture of clays and other natural materials. Broken tiles not fit for re-use are accepted in the hardfill site at the Blenheim transfer station.

The Dump Shop

The Dump Shop accepts plywood, treated timber, untreated timber, and engineered timber (LVL, Glulam, Strandboard, particle board, and MDF) in good reusable condition.

Sheet materials must be at least half a sheet or equivalent (approx. 1.2m x 1.2m).

Beams and other construction timbers must be a minimum of 1m in length.

Timber does not need to be de-nailed.

Consider repairing for your toaster before disposing of it – try a local repair café.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Toasters are considered e-waste and can be recycled at the Hazardous Waste Centre.

Unfragranced tissues can be placed in your home compost, worm farm or Bokashi system.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Tissues cannot be recycled. Put these in the red kerbside rubbish bin.

Regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Tissues are accepted as general waste at regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Clean and dry toilet rolls go in the yellow recycling bin.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Recycle clean and dry toilet rolls in the cardboard bins at the Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations, and remote transfer stations.

Broken handles on shovels are simple to fix. Visit your local hardware store for a new handle. If you're not confident with repairs, take the item to a repair café where someone can assist you.

The Dump Shop and Salvage Yard

The Dump Shop and Salvage Yard accepts tools and accessories in good reusable condition. Anything from power tools to screwdrivers are accepted here.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Smaller items that can’t be reused or repaired can go in the red kerbside rubbish bin. Remember, batteries cannot be placed in kerbside bins or sent to the landfill. Remove these to be recycled. See batteries for more information.

Transfer stations

Tools and hardware that cannot be reused can be taken to any transfer station for disposal. Remove batteries and recycle.

Traditional toothbrushes are made from various plastics and cannot be recycled in your yellow recycling bin. Consider investing in an electric toothbrush. These are considered e-waste, and when they reach the end of their life, they can be recycled at the Hazardous Waste Centre.

Envirohub Picton

Evirohub in Picton accepts Colgate only toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes for recycling.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Toothbrushes that cannot be recycled through Envirohub in Picton should be placed in the red rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Toothbrushes that cannot be recycled are accepted as general waste at transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

Toothpaste tubes are made from various materials and cannot be recycled in your yellow recycling bin. Consider trying a low-waste alternative, such as paste tablets in glass or cardboard packaging.

Envirohub Picton

Envirohub in Picton accepts Colgate only toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes for recycling.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Toothpaste tubes that cannot be recycled through Envirohub in Picton should be placed in the red rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Toothpaste tubes that cannot be recycled are accepted as general waste at transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

The Dump Shop and most other local charities accept toys, puzzles and board games in good reusable condition. It is important that there are no broken or missing pieces and that they are clean.

The Toy Library is an excellent way for kids to play with a new toy all the time, saving you money and resources.

Go to the Toy Library website

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Smaller broken toys not suitable for reuse can be disposed of in the red rubbish bin

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Broken toys not suitable for reuse are accepted as general waste at transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

Before you consider buying a new trailer, look to second hand options as an alternative. If your trailer is showing signs of wear and tear, always try to repair it before replacing it.

Trailers beyond repair can be taken to local scrap dealers, where payment will often be offered.

Trillo Metals

Pheonix Recycling Group

Hazardous Waste Centre

Take unwanted TVs to the Hazardous Waste Centre where they will be tagged, tested, and reused through the Unwanted Goods Project or sold at the Dump Shop. Fees apply

You could also consider sharing TVs in good working condition on local social media platforms.

Regional transfer stations

TVs can be dropped in the e-waste section at any of the regional transfer stations. Fees apply.

Transfer stations

A maximum of 5 tyres are accepted free of charge at all transfer stations for recycling through the Tyrewise scheme. Rims must be removed. Fees apply for over 5 tyres; see the link here.

The Salvage Yard at the Dump Shop

The Dump Shop accepts underlay and carpet in good reusable condition. Please note that staff will inspect the underlay or carpet, and it is accepted on a case-by-case basis.

You could also offer used carpet on local sharing platforms. Or, if it is made from natural fibres, carpet makes a great weed mat.

Transfer Stations

Underlay or carpet that cannot be reused or repurposed in any way is accepted as general waste at all transfer stations.

Please never place old underwear in your yellow recycling bin. Remember, real people are working on our recycling sort lines. It’s not very nice when they have to handle used underwear.

Red kerbside recycling bin

Put old underwear in the red rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Old underwear is accepted as general waste at transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

All computer accessories such as mice, keyboards, web cameras, USB’s and modems are considered e-waste.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Take e-waste to the Hazardous Waste Centre for re-use or recycling.

Regional transfer stations

Take computers and all accessories to the e-waste area at the transfer stations.

Noel Leeming

Take any computer equipment or cameras and video cameras to Noel Leeming for recycling.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Vacuum cleaner bags collect dust and are not recyclable. Put these in the red kerbside rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Dispose of full vacuum cleaner bags at general waste and transfer stations, including remote transfer stations.

All Vacuums, including the standard plug-in, rechargeables, dust busters, handhelds and Rug Doctors, are considered a type of e-waste.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Don’t place broken vacuum cleaners of any kind in your kerbside recycling or waste bins. Take them to the Hazardous and E-waste Centre for recycling.

Vacuum cleaners in working order can also be taken to the Hazardous and E-waste Centre, where they will be tagged and tested to ensure they are safe for reuse. This can be done through either the Dump Shop or by giving to those in need through the Unwanted Goods Project. Charges may apply.

You could also share vacuum cleaners, in good working order, on social media platforms.

Never put vapes in your red rubbish bin or your yellow recycling bin. The batteries in vapes can cause fires in collection trucks or even when buried at a landfill.

Dispose of vapes at their designated collection points, generally found at vape stores.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Never dispose of varnish in your red rubbish bin, your yellow recycling bin, or down drains. Varnishes are harmful to our waterways and soils.

Varnishes typically consist of a blend of resin, drying oil, and solvents. Take them to the Hazardous Waste Centre for safe disposal.

Regional transfer stations

Domestic quantities of varnish are accepted at regional transfer stations in the Hazardous Waste Section. Please see the attendant before dropping it off.

If your video camera is in good working condition, consider donating it to a charity shop or selling it online.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Take video cameras to the Hazardous Waste Centre, where they will be tested and either sold in the Dump Shop or recycled as e-waste.

Regional transfer stations

Take video cameras to the e-waste section at regional transfer stations.

Video cassettes are made from a mix of materials, making them difficult to recycle.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

If your video cassettes cannot be donated or rehomed, please put them in the red kerbside rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Video cassettes that cannot be rehomed are accepted as general waste at transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

Consider getting in contact with a repairer.

Go to Blenheim Appliance Repairs website

If your unwanted appliance is still functioning, consider selling or donating it. If it's in good condition, you could also offer your washing machine to your community through local sharing platforms. The Unwanted Goods Project accepts working whitegoods—they are tested, tagged, and functionally checked before being given to those in need.

Hazardous Waste Centre

If your Washing machine is in disrepair, take it to the Hazardous Waste Centre for e-waste recycling. The team will repurpose as much as they can from the appliance before recycling.

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Cardboard boxes once containing washing powder go in the yellow recycling bin. Ensure it is dry and residue-free.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Cardboard washing powder boxes can be recycled in the cardboard deposit at the Marlborough Recycling Centre or in the cardboard bins at the transfer stations and remote transfer stations. Make sure cardboard is dry and free from residue.

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Washing powder scoops are usually made from cardboard or plastic, both of which can be recycled in the yellow recycling bin.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Cardboard and plastic washing powder scoops can both be recycled at the Marlborough Recycling Centre, transfer stations, and remote transfer stations.

Never flush wet wipes down the toilet even when the packet says they are ‘flushable’. Unlike toilet paper, which is made from natural fibres, wet wipes are made from polyester and plastic, so they don’t break down. Instead, they cause costly toilet blockages and are harmful to the waterways and environment.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Put wet wipes in the red rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Wet wipes are not flushable. Dispose of them as general waste at transfer stations or remote transfer stations.

Maroon glass crate

Recycle wine bottles in your maroon glass crate. Ensure they are completely empty and caps are removed. You don’t need to try and remove the neck sleeve. Save your caps from landfill and take them to the caps and lids collection points located at the Dump Shop and all regional transfer stations.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Recycle empty wine bottles at the Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations, and remote transfer stations. Make sure they are colour sorted, and caps are removed. Caps can be recycled at regionals transfer stations and the Dump Shop. Unfortunately, we do not have collection points for caps at remote transfer stations.

Metal and plastic lids cannot be placed in your kerbside recycling bin as they are too small to be sorted at the recycling centre. In Marlborough, we have set up our own caps and lids recycling collection points based at the Dump Shop and all staffed transfer stations. There is also a collection point at the Envirohub in Picton.

Types of lids accepted:

Which plastic caps and lids can be recycled?

• Flip-top/hinged caps
• Screw caps
• Milk bottle caps
• Ice cream container lids
• Yoghurt and dip lids
  (please do not include the peel-off film)
• Supplement bottle lids
• Household cleaning lids
• Shampoo & cosmetic lids

No coffee cup lids

No glass

No pumps and triggers

Which metals can be deposited?

• Crown caps (bottle caps)
• Jar lids
• Ring pull caps
• Wire from sparkling drinks
• Metal screw top caps
• Aluminium lids
• Wine lids
• Food tin lids

No coffee pods please.

The Salvage Yard at the Dump Shop

Keep wooden pallets out of landfill! The Salvage Yard at the Dump Shop accept wood pallets at no charge and offer them for free for the public to take and use. Pallets must be heat-treated only and not ply.

If you have painted branded pallets (such as CHEP pallets or similar), please contact the manufacturer so they can be returned for reuse.

Hazardous Waste Centre

Wood stain is a type of paint used to colour wood. Wood stains are absorbed by the wood, which then mimics the colour of a particular species. Wood stain is considered hazardous waste and should never be placed in your kerbside recycling or rubbish bins. Instead, take them to the Hazardous Waste Centre for re-use or safe disposal.

Regional transfer stations

Domestic quantities of wood stain are accepted at regional transfer stations in the hazardous waste section. Please see the attendant before dropping off.

Wool is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable material, making it a great choice. When disposed of, wool acts like a fertiliser by slowly releasing valuable nutrients and carbon back into the soil.

Donate wool you no longer need to local charity shops. If it is pure wool, with no dyes or synthetic aspects and can be put into your home compost or worm farm.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Wool that cannot be re-homed or composted needs to go in the red rubbish bin.

Transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Wool that cannot be reused or composted is accepted as general waste at transfer stations and remote transfer sites stations.

Chocolate and muesli bar wrappers are considered a soft plastic and cannot be recycled in your kerbside recycling bin.

Recycle these at any of the drop off locations listed below:

• New World Blenheim
• The Warehouse
• Woolworths Blenheim
• Woolworths Redwoodtown
• Woolworths Springlands
• The Dump Shop

You can also recycle soft plastics at any regional transfer station.

Soft plastics are collected by the Packaging Forum to be recycled locally by Future Post into fence and vineyard posts, as well as garden frames for households.

Wrapping paper is often made from lots of different materials, making some styles difficult to recycle.

Get creative! Wrap presents in pictures your children have painted. Buy a tea towel and wrap the gift in that, giving two reusable gifts. If you do want to buy wrapping paper, choose a plain option that can be recycled. You can always add a touch of elegance with a reusable ribbon.

Take your time when opening gifts so the paper doesn’t get wasted.

Yellow kerbside recycling bin

Only very plain wrapping paper can be recycled in the yellow recycling bin.

Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations

Plain paper without glitter can be recycled at the Marlborough Recycling Centre, regional transfer stations and remote transfer stations.

Red kerbside rubbish bin

Wrapping paper with glitter, gold flecks, or other plastic contaminants needs to be placed in the red rubbish bin.

Transfer Stations and remote transfer stations

Wrapping paper with glitter, gold flecks or other plastic contaminants is accepted as general waste at transfer stations and remote transfer stations.