Conserving Resources for Future Generations
As the world grapples with environmental challenges, communities like Wanaka are taking proactive steps towards sustainability. One crucial aspect of this effort is home recycling. While it may seem like a small individual contribution, the collective impact of recycling at the household level can be significant, helping to preserve Wanaka's natural beauty and protect its ecosystems for generations to come.
Wanaka's allure lies in its pristine environment, from the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wanaka to the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps. However, this beauty is fragile and requires careful stewardship. Home recycling plays a vital role in keeping Wanaka clean and unspoiled. By reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills, recycling minimizes pollution and prevents litter from marring the landscape. Every plastic bottle, aluminum can and paper product diverted from the waste stream helps preserve Wanaka's natural splendor.
Rubbish & Recycling
We're on a journey to become a zero waste district. Use this great resource on the QLDC website to find everything you need to know about how to reduce your waste, use the recycling service and other waste services in the Queenstown Lakes District.
Below we outline the bins used in Wanaka and how to sort your waste:
Yellow Bins:
Paper and cardboard (including pizza boxes free from grease and food)
Aluminium and steel cans
Plastic bottles, trays, and containers marked with recycling symbols ♳, ♴ and ♷
Red Bins:
The red bin is for general rubbish.
This includes items like takeaway cups, drink cartons, lids, soft plastics, food contaminated, plastic or foil lined paper and cardboard, plastics ♵♶♸ or ♹, nappies, window glass, and broken crockery. Remember, if you are not sure if something can be recycled, put it in the red bin.
Please don’t put hazardous items like batteries, hot ashes, flammable aerosols or chemicals in the rubbish bin.
Blue Bins:
Only glass bottles and jars used for food and drink go in the blue bin.
Put other types of glass, like windows, drinking glasses, lightbulbs, perfume and moisturiser bottles, mirror, heatproof (e.g. Pyrex) and ceramics in the red rubbish bin.
Need more information?
The council website can answer all your questions. They are a great resource that explains our local recycling rules, what goes in each bin and what to avoid to ensure our recycling can be made into new stuff.
Fostering a Culture of Sustainability
Home recycling goes beyond its environmental benefits; it also fosters a culture of sustainability within the community. When individuals make recycling a part of their daily routine, it sends a powerful message about the importance of environmental stewardship. By participating in recycling programs and advocating for sustainable practices, Wanaka residents can inspire others to follow suit. This collective effort creates a ripple effect, leading to broader changes in behavior and promoting a more environmentally conscious society.
As Wanaka continues to grow and evolve, the importance of home recycling cannot be overstated. By embracing recycling as a fundamental part of daily life, residents can contribute to the preservation of Wanaka's natural beauty, protect its wildlife and ecosystems, conserve valuable resources and foster a culture of sustainability for future generations. Together, we can ensure that Wanaka remains a vibrant and resilient community, where the principles of conservation and stewardship guide our actions towards a more sustainable future.