Recycling collection

Palmy-branded glass recycling truck out on its collection run.

We provide a kerbside collection service for Palmerston North urban residents. Recycling is collected every week on the same day as your rubbish. The collection alternates between glass – in your crate – and plastic, paper and cans, in your wheelie bin.

Your recycling needs to be out on the kerb by 7.30am.

Not sure whether to put out your glass crate or your wheelie bin? Check out our handy online tool, linked below. It will tell you what day we collect rubbish and recycling in your street, and which type of recycling we're picking up this week.

Find your collection day

Our kerbside recycling service reduces waste going to landfill. By putting the right things in the right bin, you're doing your bit to reduce waste. Thank you!

What to put in your wheelie bin

  • clean paper and cardboard
  • clean cans and tins
  • clean hard plastics that have the recycling triangle label moulded into them (we collect plastic numbers 1, 2 and 5)

Flyer: What you can and can't put in your wheelie bin(PDF, 632KB) 

What to put in your glass crate

We collect empty glass bottles and jars that have had food or drink in them.

Please don't put broken glass, mirrors, window glass, light bulbs, Pyrex, china or ceramics in your glass recycling crate.

Flyer: What you can and can't put in your glass crate(PDF, 590KB)

 

Can I change the size of my wheelie bin?

Yes! The standard-sized wheelie bin is 240 litres. If this size is difficult for you to manage or store, we can provide you with an 80 litre wheelie bin instead. Likewise, if you move into a home with a small wheelie bin, we can swap it for a 240 litre bin. Simply fill in our handy online form to let us know.

Request a smaller or larger bin

How do I know which bin is mine?

Your wheelie bin should have a sticker with an address printed on it, and a serial number heat-stamped into it. The serial number is recorded in Council's rates database under your address.

If your address sticker comes loose, it’s a good idea to clearly label your bin with a permanent marker.

When is recycling collected?

Look up our rubbish and recycling days tool to find out when your recycling will be collected.

What do I do if my recycling bin or crate goes missing or is damaged?

If your bin or crate is missing after collection day, please ask your neighbours if they have taken it accidentally.

If it’s still missing or if your bin is broken, please get in touch with us. Sometimes we can repair broken bins, especially if it’s the wheels or lid that are damaged. But if it can’t be fixed, we’ll arrange for you to get a new one. Simply fill in our handy online form to let us know.

Request a recycling bin or crate

Who can use kerbside recycling?

The kerbside recycling service is for all properties rated residential that pay the recycling charge.

You’ll get a 240 litre wheelie bin for recycling plastic, paper, cardboard and cans and a 45 litre crate for recycling glass. A small number of properties with restricted access or limited storage get a smaller 80 litre recycling wheelie bin.

What does the recycling service cost?

The service is paid for by your rates. There is no separate charge for kerbside recycling.

The kerbside recycling targeted rate for 2025-26 is $189.

I’ve moving to a new property. What do I do with my recycling bin and crate?

Leave your recycling bin and glass crate behind when you move. If you move to a new property and there’s no bin or crate, let us know and we'll deliver them to you. You can place an order through our handy online form.

Request a recycling bin and crate

What do I do if I have too much recycling for my bin or crate?

Please make sure your bin or crate is not overflowing.

Any extra recycling can be taken to to any of our recycling facilities during opening hours.

If you are constantly producing too much glass for one crate, we can provide you with an extra one. Simply fill in our handy online form to let us know.

Request an extra glass crate

All your recycling gets a second life

Ever wondered what happens to your recycling after it's picked up from your house? Wonder no more!

 

Find out where it goes

 

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