Wash, squash, lids off

Waste Management kerbside collector Huri Kahaki with a recycling bin featuring the new “wash, squash, lids off” stickers. File picture

Waste Management staff are this week applying stickers to recycling bins to inform the community what can go out with kerbside recycling.

From June 1, only grades 1 and 2 plastics can be recycled. Grades 3 to 7 need to go in with general rubbish.

With no means of recycling grades 3 to 7 plastic, these materials take up to 500 years to deteriorate.

They end up at landfills, and, due to careless dumping, in oceans and waterways, a Gisborne District Council spokeswoman says.

“The move should encourage households to make an effort to reduce plastic waste and also improve general recycling habits,” she says.

Considerable volumes of waste in recycling bins cannot be accepted due to food contamination.

The new recycling bin stickers remind the public on best practices for recycling:

Wash - plastics, glass and tins.Squash - plastics and cardboard.Lids off - everything.“We encourage the community to make packaging a factor in their purchasing decisions,” the spokewoman said.

Check the number inside the triangle on the bottom of a product before you buy, and if it can’t be recycled, consider alternatives that can.”