Chatham Islands Council
Your guide to recycling, rubbish and waste disposal in the Chatham Islands Council area. Check which bin each item goes in, kerbside collection rules, and where to take items that can't be collected at the kerb.
Contact Information
Official contact details for Chatham Islands Council.
What Goes Where in Chatham Islands Council
Specific disposal guidance for common items in the Chatham Islands Council area. Tap an item for full instructions.
Recycling
- Book (paperback)
- Office Paper
- Wine Bottle
- Paper Egg Carton
- Milk Bottle (HDPE #2)
- Cosmetic Jars
- Glass Jar (Jam, Pickles)
- Glass Beer Bottle
- Cardboard Box
- Magazine
- Biscuit Tray (plastic)
- Newspaper
- Wire Coat Hanger
- Shampoo Bottle
- Aluminum Can (soda, beer)
- Aluminum Foil (clean)
- Shredded Paper
- Detergent Bottle
- AA/AAA Alkaline Battery
- Paper Shopping Bag
- Glass Perfume Bottle
- Plastic Drink Bottle (PET #1)
- Cereal Box
- Cardboard Tube (toilet roll)
- Steel Can (food can)
Compost / Organic
General Waste
- Greeting Card
- Fish Bones
- Mouse
- Aluminum Foil (dirty)
- Plastic Straw
- Polystyrene Cup
- Broken Christmas Lights
- Pillows
- Rope and Twine
- PVC Pipe
- Old Pot/Pan
- Cigarette Butts
- Old Socks
- Zip-Lock Bag
- Old Keys
- Plastic Film (from packaging)
- Flooring (laminate/vinyl)
- Bread Bag
- Broken Terracotta Pot
- Junk Mail
- Old Underwear
- Toothbrush
- Hot Water Bottle
- Towels
- Nappies / Diapers
- Old CDs/DVDs
- Plasterboard / Drywall
- Video Tapes (VHS)
- Coffee Cup (paper)
- Hard Plastic Toys
- Fat Drippings
- Six-Pack Rings
- Woolen Garments
- Wearable Clothing
- Plastic Hangers
- Matches
- Paint (water-based)
- Broken Drinking Glass
- Ceramic Mug/Plate (broken)
- Envelopes (with plastic window)
- Deodorant Stick (plastic)
- Household Bleach
- Old Tents
- Cling Film / Saran Wrap
- Contact Lens Case
- Duvet / Comforter
- Post-it Notes
- Ice Cream Container
- Sandpaper
- CD/DVD Case
- Leather Belt
- Tea Bag
- Lighter (disposable)
- Human Hair
- Bed Sheets / Linens
- Garden Gnomes
- Wrapping Paper (non-foil)
- Nails and Screws
- Pet Fur
- Receipts (thermal)
- Vinyl Records
- Hats and Caps
- Butchers Paper
- Margarine Tub
- Wax Paper
- Pet Waste
- Fabric Scraps
- Car Air Freshener
- Pyrex / Cookware Glass
- Plastic Shopping Bag
- Book (hardcover)
- Corks (natural)
- Mesh Fruit Bag
- Canvas Bag
- Household Cleaners
- Foam Meat Tray
- Pizza Box (oily)
- Plastic Cutlery
- Pens and Pencils
- Plastic Plant Pot
- Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
- LED Light Bulb
- Metal Cutlery
- Torn/Stained Clothing
- Bubble Wrap
- Takeaway Coffee Lid
- Curtains
- Blister Packs (pills)
- Sunscreen Tube
- Sporting Goods (e.g., old tennis balls)
- Shoes
- Musical Instruments (broken)
- Meat and Bones
- Foil-lined bags (e.g., pet food)
- Tiles
- Electric Toothbrush
- Juice Pouch
- Light Bulb (Incandescent)
- Garden Hose
- Baking Paper
- Spectacles / Glasses
- Disposable Razor
- Chocolate Bar Wrapper
- Tissue
- Handbag / Backpack
- Cooked Food Leftovers
- Corks (plastic)
- Candle Wax
- Oyster Shells
- Toothpaste Tube
- Plastic Takeaway Container (PP #5)
- Mirror
- Food Pouch Lid
Special Collection
Drop-off
- Cell Phone / Smartphone
- 9V Battery
- CFL Light Bulb
- Carpet
- Keyboard
- Rubber Tyres
- Bricks
- Gas Bottle / Canister
- TV
- Desktop Computer
- Scrap Metal
- Untreated Timber
- Laptop
- Car Battery
- Computer Monitor
- Digital Camera
- Lithium-Ion Battery (laptops, phones)
- Hard Drive
- Window Pane Glass
- Concrete
- Guttering
- Rechargeable Battery
- Small Kitchen Appliance (Toaster, Kettle)
- Rubble
- Remote Control
- Router / Modem
- Cables and Cords
- DVD Player
- Printer
- Paint Can (empty, dry)
Local Waste & Recycling Guidelines
Key information for Chatham Islands Council. For full details, please visit the council website.
Kerbside Collection
- Check the Calendar tab for your collection days.
- Ensure bins are out by 7 AM on collection day.
- Place bins at least 50cm apart with lids closed.
Preparing Your Recycling (National Standard)
- Empty and rinse containers — free of food and liquid.
- Lids off everything: all lids and caps go in general waste.
- Keep items loose in the bin — never bag your recycling.
- Don't squash bottles or cans flat (sorting machines identify items by shape). Flattening cardboard is fine.
- Not accepted anywhere: aerosols, Tetra Pak/UHT cartons, aluminium foil and trays, plastics 3, 4, 6 and 7, items smaller than 50mm or larger than 4L.
What Goes Where (General Overview)
Always use the 'Search' feature for guidance on specific items.
Recycling Bin (Usually Yellow/Green Lid)
Clean plastics (1,2,5), paper, cardboard, tin/aluminium cans, clean glass bottles/jars.
General Waste Bin (Usually Red/Dark Green Lid)
Non-recyclables, soft plastics (unless special collection), broken ceramics, nappies.
Recycling Centres & Drop-off Points
For larger items, e-waste, hazardous materials, and excess recycling, visit your local transfer station or community recycling centre. Details can be found on our Sites page or on the council website.
Information is a general guide. Subject to change by the council.