Wastewise these Holidays

17 December 2004

As Christchurch residents enjoy the holiday season, the results of the celebrations will put increased pressure on rubbish and recycling services.

“We want to encourage residents to recycle as much as possible and divert material away from landfill,” says Richard Lloyd, Chair of the Real Recycling Team.*  

“Extra seasonal bottles, cans, wrapping paper and cardboard can be recycled.  However, we often find the green crates full to overflowing during the peak holiday season so here are some tips for residents to follow:

• rinse and squash all cans and plastic bottles. This means you get more in your crates and the collectors get more in the trucks
• wrapping paper should be placed with other paper (newspaper, magazines, circulars) and clean, empty plastic supermarket bags in a plastic bag and handles tied (this keeps the contents secure and reduces the potential for litter). Put on top of the crate on collection day
• large boxes and corrugated cardboard should be flattened and tied into bundles about the size of the recycling crate and placed next to the crate on collection day
• if one crate is not enough get a second recycling crate from a council service centre for free.”

If residents are heading away on holiday or have more than usual to dispose of they can:

• take recycling to the recycling centres located at the three refuse stations at no charge
• take up to three official council rubbish bags to the refuse station stations at no charge

Christmas trees can be taken to the green waste drop off points at the refuse stations - normal green waste fees apply.

Rubbish and recycling collection days do not change during the holidays this year. Residents are advised to put their bags and crates out on the same day as usual and by 7.30am to ensure collection.

Call the City Council on 941 8830 or check the Council’s website at www.ccc.govt.nz/waste

• to find out the location of and charges at the refuse stations
• for more information about recycling

* Real Recycling is a partnership between the Christchurch City Council, Waimakariri District Council, Onyx and the Recovered Materials Foundation.

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