When will the bins be delivered?
Bins will be delivered to houses from 20 – 22 March.
What if we don’t want to be in the trial?
If you want to opt out of the trial, please give us a call on 06 356 8199, visit our Customer Service Centre at 32 The Square, or email FoodScrapsTrial@pncc.govt.nz with your street address. We’d also appreciate it if you’d briefly let us know why you’re opting out.
My neighbour also has a kitchen caddy, why didn’t I get one?
We have supplied only a certain number of kitchen caddies for the trial to test assumptions. If you aren’t supplied with one, you can use something like an ice cream container.
When will the food scrap bins be collected?
Bins will be collected each Wednesday starting on 29 March. Please ensure your bin is placed out on the kerb for collection by 7.30am (not before, to reduce the risk of animals getting into it).
What can go in the bin?
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Pasta and rice
- Dairy products
- Coffee grounds and tea leaves
- Eggs
- Cooked meat, fish and bones
- Nuts and cereals
- Bread and grains
- Indoor cut flowers
- Paper towels
What can’t go in the bin?
- Raw meat and bones
- Oils, liquids and chemicals
- Bin liners
- Garden waste, soil and rocks
- Tea bags
- Plastic bags or packaging, including compostable and biodegradable packaging
- Cigarette butts
- Food wrap e.g. cling film, tin foil
- Glass, metal or other materials
- Cloth and clothing
- Compostable straws
- Sanitary products, nappies and pet waste
Where should I keep my bin?
Store the bin outside but somewhere secure, if possible, to reduce the risk of animals getting into it. And make sure you lock the lid, by placing the handle in the upright position.
How do I clean my bin?
- Rinse out your bin once it’s emptied.
- If you clean your bin on your grass, it will stop the bits going into the drain, and add nutrients to your garden instead.
- Freeze smelly food scraps like meat or fish until collection day.
- Sprinkle baking soda over the bottom of the bin. It helps soak up smells.
- Or, chuck in coffee grounds and slices of lemon.
Why can’t I put compostable or biodegradable packaging in my food scraps bin?
There are a variety of different products that claim to be compostable or biodegradable, however, in order to be composted properly, they need to meet certain composting standards. Many of the products claiming to be compostable are unsuitable for our process. Biodegradable, or degradable products are often not compostable full stop.