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Every time we make the conscious decision to recycle, we’re conserving resources and reducing the need to keep taking from the planet. But here’s the catch: recycling only works when we do it right.
That’s why WM New Zealand has released a remastered series of videos specifically designed for our business customers. These videos outline the dos and don’ts of recycling, helping businesses make the right choices and avoid the pitfalls that can disrupt the recycling process.
Why It Matters
Contamination remains a significant challenge in the recycling process. If materials are too heavily contaminated – whether by food scraps, liquids, or other non-recyclable items – they can't be recycled and instead end up in landfill. This not only defeats the purpose but also undermines the efforts of those who are recycling correctly.
That’s where our videos come in, offering simple, practical guidance on how to avoid contamination and ensure your recycling efforts make a difference.
The Mantra to Remember
“If in doubt, throw it out.” It may feel counterintuitive, but it’s better to place an uncertain item in general waste than risk contaminating an entire load of recyclables. By keeping contamination to a minimum, we can maximise the amount of material that’s successfully recycled.
What’s Your Recycling Journey?
As part of Sustainability Month, we encourage you to take a closer look at your own recycling journey. What items have you recently given a second life to? How can you help others – whether it’s your colleagues, friends, or family – get on board with proper recycling? And most importantly, how can you ensure you’re doing it right?
Let’s make recycling work for the good of the planet. Together, we can reduce waste, conserve resources, and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Only clean, empty, and dry items like PET #1 bottles, HDPE #2 containers, polypropylene #5 tubs, and metal cans are accepted.
Items like soft plastics and egg cartons cause contamination, so always consult your local guidelines.
Office paper and thin cardboard (e.g., cereal boxes) are accepted, but no confidential documents or contaminated items.
Cardboard should be flattened and tape-free. Both paper and cardboard bins must exclude soft plastics and liners to avoid contamination.
Only clean, clear low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is accepted, with no coloured plastics or PET/PP strapping.
Plastic wrap should be placed in a bin with an orange WM label, and contamination must be avoided to ensure proper recycling.
Only clean, dry, unbroken glass bottles and jars with lids removed are accepted. Use a blue-lidded bin for mixed glass, though some regions require colour separation.
Contaminants like broken glass, mirrors, and windows must be avoided to ensure proper recycling.
Food waste includes scraps and approved compostable packaging, while garden waste encompasses grass and tree trimmings. Use light green bins for food waste and dark green bins for garden waste. Avoid contamination by checking local guidelines on accepted items.
Some regions do have FOGO bins, where you can mix the two, so it's worth checking your local guidelines.
Use a metal-only skip with a black waste management label.
Beverage cans should go into mixed recycling unless otherwise specified. Avoid contamination from whiteware, e-waste, and contaminated metals for safe recycling.
Only clean, dry, and white EPS is acceptable, broken into small pieces.
Use a designated bag with an orange WM New Zealand label. Avoid contamination from tape, labels, and coloured polystyrene, and follow local guidelines for proper recycling.
Place wood in a designated skip with a brown waste management label.
Avoid contamination from MDF, particle board, and treated wood, and ensure items are placed safely for handling.
Put simply, sustainability is just what we do. WM Sustainability has a team of qualified and experienced sustainability experts to help you achieve your sustainability and environmental goals.
Our team of waste and environmental specialists provide services that can help your business reduce waste generation, recover more materials, and reduce your overall carbon emissions associated with waste, assisting you and Aotearoa to a carbon-neutral and circular future.
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