The Government's set to make significant changes to the way you can recycle.
It will standardise recycling rules across the country, and introduce a scheme where people can make money by returning empty cans and glass bottles.
The Minister in charge says it's because Kiwis have been getting it wrong - for far too long.
For most of us, putting the rubbish and recycling 'out' each week is part of everyday life. But for too long, it is what we've been putting 'in' those bins that's causing a whole lot of wastage. In New Zealand's case, 13 million tonnes of waste a year goes to landfills.
"Everywhere around New Zealand we've got far too much contamination of the recycling bin, and far too many recyclables going in the rubbish bin," says Environment Minister David Parker.
The Government's come up with a three-part proposal to sort the treasure from the trash.
The first will see all households given an extra bin for food scraps so they don't go to the landfill.
All councils will adopt the same rules around what can be collected, and what can't.
"At the moment they have different rules in different parts of the country which makes it harder," Parker says.
For example, in Christchurch, all lids on containers and bottles are to be removed. In Auckland though, locals are told to leave them on, hence some confusion.
Then there's the container return scheme - a move that for some, might seem a little 'back to the future'.
Recyclables will be exchanged for cash at vending machines, supermarkets, and dairies. You'll get 20 cents back per item - an added cost you'll pay when you buy it, and one that's left the National Party unimpressed.
"A container return scheme of the sort the Government is proposing will only add to the cost of living crisis," its environment spokesperson Scott Simpson says.
"They do pay more when they buy, it but they do get that back as soon as they take that container back," Parker responds.
It's something the Government signalled in 2019. Parker is adamant it's not just a re-announcement. That's despite officials then hoping it could be operational by this year.
Officials also want a law change to see businesses required to separate their food waste from other rubbish.
Consultation on the changes begins on Sunday and runs to early May.
