From December 2, 2024, you won’t have to worry about purchasing prepaid bin tags. This means that your costs for collecting your rubbish will most likely be included in your property rates. These initiatives can lessen confusion and encourage recycling practices.

Auckland Council is working towards a simple and more sustainable future by consolidating waste services for the city. There will be no differences between the type of bins used in West Auckland and the recycling and collection services. Increased compliance means less confusion and more programmed recycling.

Lastly, the council will standardize their payment options for these services. This will make it easier and more convenient for all residents and businesses in the area.

Understanding the Transition from Bin Tags to Rates-Funded Collection

The switch from using bin tags to a rates-funded rubbish collection is a big change for West Auckland rubbish collection. This change aims to create a more organized and effective waste management system.

Getting rid of rubbish prepaid tags makes things easier for residents. Now, there’s no need to buy tags, as it used to be an added worry about remembering to get them.

How does bin tags affect you?

The shift from prepaid bin tags to a rates-funded rubbish collection service in West Auckland will bring several changes for residents. Here’s a breakdown of how it will impact them:

1. Convenience and Cost Consistency

• No More Bin Tags: Residents will no longer need to buy or remember to attach prepaid bin tags to their rubbish bins. This change removes the hassle of purchasing tags regularly.
• Rates-Funded Service: Rubbish collection costs will now be included in residential property rates, so residents won’t have to worry about separate charges every time they dispose of waste. This change makes it easier to predict waste collection costs.

2. Choice of Bin Sizes

• Flexible Bin Options: You can choose between a small bin (80L) for $145.24, a standard bin (120L) for $174.77, or a large bin (240L) for $290.09 to fit your household’s needs.
• Encouragement to Reduce Waste: These initiatives can help to decrease landfill waste and residents can choose which bins are most practical for them.

3. Environmental Benefits

• Supporting Zero Waste Goals: These change supports Auckland’s goal of becoming a Zero Waste City by 2040.

4. Refund for Unused Bin Tags

Refund Program for Bin Tags: Don’t worry if you still have unused prepaid bin tags! You can get a refund at your local library from December 1st to January 31st, 2025.

5. Consistent Service Across Auckland

• Unified Collection Approach: With standard waste services for all Auckland residents, everyone will have access to the same level of service and bin types. This consistency will allow residents to rely on predictable waste collection schedules, reducing confusion across suburbs.

Conclusion:

This is a big step towards a cleaner, greener West Auckland! By making waste disposal simple and easy, it contributes towards a bigger goal. Together, let us welcome this change and start making the right preparations towards change for sustainability.

Skip bins are a common sight in residential neighborhoods, construction sites, and commercial premises around the world. These metal bins play a crucial role in waste management & rubbish removal , offering a convenient and efficient way to collect, dispose of waste, reduce waste and recycle waste. If you’ve ever wondered what skip bins are and how they work, this guide will provide you with all the essential information.

What is a Skip Bin?

A skip bin, often simply referred to as a skip, is a sturdy  container designed for the temporary storage and transport of waste materials. Skips are typically made from durable materials like steel or heavy-duty plastic to withstand rough handling and the elements. They come in various sizes, ranging from small bins suitable for domestic use to large container bins used in commercially/ industrial settings.

How Do Skip Bins Work?

Skip bins are delivered to a location using specialized trucks equipped with hydraulic arms or cranes. These trucks can lift and place it  where they are needed, whether it’s a residential driveway, construction site, or commercial property. Once you have filled the skip bin with your rubbish  the company will return to remove it either by prior arrangement or by calling the company  it then gets  transported to a waste disposal facility or recycling center.

Types and Sizes of Skip Bins

It comes in different sizes to accommodate varying amounts and types of waste. The size you choose depends on the amount of rubbish you need to dispose of and the space available for placing the skip. Common sizes in New Zealand include:

• Mini Skips (2-3 cubic meters): Suitable for small domestic clean-ups, such as garden waste or minor renovations.
• Builder’s Skips (4-6 cubic meters): Ideal for larger household projects or moderate amounts of construction waste.
• Large Skips (9-12 cubic meters): Used for major renovations, commercial projects, or bulky household items.
• Oversized  Skips  (15-30 cubic meters): Designed for large-scale industrial or commercial waste disposal.

Uses for Skip Bins

1. Construction and Demolition:
   Skip bins are indispensable on construction sites for disposing of materials like bricks, concrete, timber, and metal.
2. Home Renovations:
   builders waste such as plasterboard, tiles, and old fittings.timber,general house junk 
3. Garden Clean-Ups:
   Ideal for collecting green waste like branches, leaves, trees, compost,.
4. Events and Festivals:
   Used to manage large volumes of waste generated at outdoor events, ensuring efficient waste disposal and recycling.

Benefits of Using Skip Bins

• Convenience:
  Save time and effort by providing a centralized location for dumping your waste into , reducing the need for multiple trips to a landfill or recycling center.
• Environmental Responsibility:
  Many auckland providers prioritize recycling, sorting materials at dedicated facilities to minimize landfill waste.
• Safety and Compliance:
  Using skip bins ensures compliance with local regulations regarding waste management and disposal, avoiding fines and penalties.

Hiring a Skip Bin: What to Consider

When hiring a skip bin, there are several factors to consider to ensure you choose the right size and service provider:

1. Size Requirements:
   Assess the volume and type of waste you need to dispose of to determine the appropriate skip bin size.
2. Permits and Regulations:
   Check if you need a permit to place a skip bin on public property and ensure compliance with local council regulations https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/rubbish-recycling/Pages/default.aspx
3. Accessibility:
   Consider the access points and space available for placing the skip bin to avoid logistical challenges during delivery and collection.
4. Cost and Quotes:
   Compare quotes from different skip bin providers, considering factors such as rental duration, disposal fees, and any additional charges.

Eco-Friendly Skip Bin Practices

To minimize environmental impact when using skip bins, consider the following practices:

• Recycling:
  Separate recyclable materials like metal, cardboard, and green waste from general waste to promote recycling efforts.
• Waste Segregation:
  Avoid mixing hazardous materials with general waste and dispose of them safely through designated channels like 0800 dump me .
• Reuse and Donate:
  Whenever possible, donate usable items or materials to charities or community organizations instead of discarding them.     

if you don’t want to hire a skip there is  another option you can use its called 0800 dump me rubbish removal service they come to your property load up all your rubbish for you in to one of their dump me trucks.They do all the heavy lifting and loading it’s a quick in and out service an if you are having a big clean up they will come over and give you a free  onsite quote all prices are fixed before removal with no hidden costs call 0800 386 763 an tell them what you are needing to get rid of         

In summary, skip bins are versatile waste management solutions used across various sectors to efficiently collect, transport, and dispose of different types of waste like food waste, raw material, and large amounts of organic waste. Whether for residential clean-ups, construction projects, or commercial waste management, skip bins provide a convenient and environmentally responsible way to handle large volumes of rubbish. By understanding the types, sizes, uses, and benefits of skip bins, individuals and businesses can make informed decisions when it comes to managing their waste effectively.

Next time you’re planning a renovation, organizing an event, or undertaking a major clean-up, consider the benefits of hiring a skip bin to streamline your waste disposal process.

The Rise of Lithium Battery Fires

Lithium batteries are everywhere these days – from our smartphones and laptops to electric scooters and power tools. They’re compact, rechargeable, and powerful, making them incredibly handy. However, these same qualities can turn dangerous when these batteries end up in the wrong place: our rubbish bins.

You see, lithium batteries are prone to overheating, and if they’re damaged or improperly disposed of, they can catch fire. When these batteries get mixed in with household rubbish, they pose a serious risk to our rubbish collection and processing systems. The result? An alarming increase in rubbish truck fires.

Why Are Rubbish Trucks at Risk?

Rubbish trucks compact waste to make collection more efficient. Unfortunately, this compacting process can crush lithium batteries, causing them to short-circuit and ignite. It’s not just a nuisance; it’s a serious safety hazard for our waste management workers and a costly issue for councils across the country.

In the past year alone, several incidents of truck fires have been reported, leading to significant damage and disruption. These fires not only endanger lives but also result in the loss of expensive equipment and vehicles.

What Can We Do?

So, what’s the solution? The key lies in proper disposal. Here are a few tips to ensure we’re all doing our part to keep our rubbish trucks safe:

1. Recycle Batteries Properly:

Many local councils and electronics stores offer battery recycling programs. Make use of these facilities instead of tossing batteries in the bin.

For guidance on where to dispose of these items safely and in many cases, for free, visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/whereitgoes

2. Check for Drop-off Points:

: There are specific drop-off points for electronic waste, including batteries, across New Zealand. A quick search online or a call to your local council can point you in the right direction.

3. Store Used Batteries Safely:

If you need to store used batteries before recycling them, keep them in a cool, dry place, and tape the terminals to prevent any accidental short-circuiting.

FAQs:

1. Why are lithium batteries a fire hazard when thrown in the rubbish?

Lithium batteries can overheat, especially if they’re damaged or improperly disposed of. When these batteries are compacted in rubbish trucks, they can short-circuit and ignite, causing fires.

2. Can I throw small lithium batteries in the rubbish if they’re fully discharged?

No, even small or fully discharged lithium batteries should not be thrown in the rubbish. They still pose a fire risk and should be recycled properly.

3. Are there any safe ways to store used lithium batteries before recycling them?

Yes, if you need to store used lithium batteries before recycling them, keep them in a cool, dry place. Taping the terminals with non-conductive tape can help prevent any accidental short-circuiting.

4. What should I do with my old lithium batteries?

Old lithium batteries should be taken to designated recycling centres or drop-off points. Many local councils and electronics stores offer battery recycling programs specifically designed to handle these types of hazardous materials.

Vapes can be recycled through most shops that sell them or through www.vapecycle.co.nz

Bunnings also offers a free battery take-back service. For more information on its national battery recycling programme, visit https://trade.bunnings.co.nz/trade-services/battery-recycling

Selected Mitre 10 stores also offer a battery take-back service, including car batteries. https://www.mitre10.co.nz/sustainableliving/recycling-reset

Auckland Council family of three bins.

Some suburbs across the region will have a new rubbish, recycling and food scraps collection day, as Auckland Council continues to streamline its waste operations in its mission to achieve zero waste by 2040.

From 1 July 2024, changes to council collection days will see some Aucklanders putting their bins out on a different day of the week than they are used to.

For a number of residents, their recycling week will also change.

Auckland Council’s GM Waste Solutions Parul Sood says the changes affect around 113,000 properties across Auckland Central, Manukau, East Auckland, Papakura, and Franklin.

“As Auckland’s population and housing continue to grow, we must adapt our resources to meet residents’ needs while ensuring cost-effective services. This means we need to adjust some routes, days and times for our rubbish, recycling and food scraps collection services, to ensure we’re operating at maximum efficiency.

“Rubbish and food scraps collections will continue to be collected weekly, and recycling collections fortnightly,” Ms Sood says.

“We understand that changing bin collection days can be inconvenient and take some time to get used to. We thank Aucklanders for accepting this change as it helps make the best use of our resources and keeps services cost-effective.”

Affected residents are being notified by letter or mail drop.

Residents can also check the collection day and recycling weeks for their property at aucklandcouncil.nz/binday.

Residents should continue to put their rubbish, food scraps and recycling bins out on the roadside the night before or prior to 7am on their council collection day.

The driver quickly noticed, pulled over and quickly discharged the burning rubbish out of the truck. Fortunately, the driver and the truck came out unharmed.

The fire was said to have started by an old battery in the rubbish.

This is not the first time this has happened. In the last few months, three trucks have had a similar experience.

How can this be prevented?

Do not throw your old batteries into the council collection bin.

Any batteries you want to throw away can be safely disposed of by our team.

Why are batteries hazardous?

Batteries contain hazardous liquid that can easy catch of fire, as well as, harm the environment if they are placed in landfill and the liquid leaks out.

Can you safely dispose of our batteries?

Yes, we can come pick them up for you!

Our team ensures that your batteries are handled with care and recycled responsibly.

We can take AAA, AA and car batteries.

Ask our staff if you have a specific battery that you want disposed of today.

What happens to the batteries?

The batteries are recycled.

Most batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid which can be separated and recycled into new items.

 Sources: Stuff

Sanitize Surfaces

One of the most important steps to decreasing the spread of germs is to sanitize items that are used often by multiple people. These items can include door handles, computer keyboards and mouse, shopping carts, light switches and tape handles. Many of these items go months without getting cleaned and the germs build up over time and spread from surface to surface by each person that touches them.

To kill 99% of germs, make sure you use anti-bacterial wipes or spray to clean surfaces. Do this at least once a week or whenever the surface is dirty.

Wash Your Hands

Each person must take individual responsibility by washing their hands, so that germs don’t spread and other people don’t get sick. Each person should wash their hands or sanitize their hands after touching public surfaces, using the bathroom or when you touch your face and blow your nose.  If you feel like your hands are dirty, take time out of your busy schedule to wash your hands for 20 seconds at the least!

Do a Declutter

Most people don’t think about this step, as they may not realize that having a lot of stuff around the house is a problem. However, the more objects you have piling up, the more dust and dirt sits around the house and on the objects.

On top of this, you are more prone to wipe down surfaces and vacuum rooms if there aren’t many items to move out the way. Also, the fewer items you have in your house the easier it is to see when the place gets dusty and dirty.

To solve this problem, declutter your home by donating items that you don’t want anymore, that are in good condition to the Salvation Army, Red cross or SPCA charity second hand store. Before you donate items, wipe them down with an antibacterial wipe so you don’t spread germs and wash clothes before donating them.

To prevent dust living on items around the house and getting you sick, wipe down surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth or disinfectant wipes. Also, vacuum at least once a week to collect any dirt that was tracked inside by your shoes and to get pet fur off the carpet.

Remove Old Waste and Junk

Got old rubbish, junk and broken items sitting around the house or outside? Old microwaves, fridge and broken dishwashers? Removing these items are essential to keeping your environment clean and germ free. Leaving rubbish piled up for a long time attracts rats, ants and cockroaches, especially if its old food waste. As a result, these pets will spread diseases. The best thing to do to prevent pests is to get your rubbish, junk and broken items removed.

That’s where we come in and help! If you have any rubbish you need removed or old broken junk, call us now or fill in our quote me page! We can come and lift and remove all your junk, rubbish and hazardous waste from your house or business, resulting in a safer, cleaner environment for your family and staff members.

Don’t let germs scare you! Just take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of germs. Wipe surface, declutter, remove rubbish, clean once a week, and stay at home if you are sick.

If you want to know more about the coronavirus and how to stay safe during this time, go to health.govt.nz for all the information and updates.

Auckland council has recognized that there is a big problem when it comes to food waste and plans to introduce food scrap bins across Auckland by late 2021. This is because 45 per cent of rubbish in bins is food waste.

Areas like Takapuna, Northcote and Milford were the first areas in March 2018 to receive the new bins and the only areas that have received the food scrap bins so far. After four weeks, 70 tonnes where collected from Papakura and prevented from being dumped into landfill.

Residents are given a 6-litre kitchen caddy for food scraps to be placed and also a 23 litre bin that the kitchen caddy is emptied into too.  The 23 litre food scrap bins are picked up from the kerbside once a week and will be put into compost and fertilisers to provide nutrients for our soil.

There are restrictions when it comes to what you can and can’t put in the food scrap bin.

Items that belong in the food scrap bins include fruit, vegetables scraps (peeling, stalks, skin), bread, pasta, rice. Dairy products, meat and fish bones and scraps, egg shells, coffee grounds, tea bags, indoor cut flowers, paper towels and tissues.

Items that are not allowed in the food scrap bin include garden waste (weeds, lawn clippings, hedge trimmings), plastic bags, disposable food containers, cigarette butts, soil, rocks, clothes, cloth, food wrapping, nappies, sanitary products, pet waste and liquids or chemicals on any kind.

The goal of the new bins is to reduce food waste going to landfills, reduce emissions, connect people to nature, to encourage people to eat more left-over food and to restore our soil.

On top of this, people will benefit from less food scraps taking up room in their rubbish bins, meaning they will have more space in their bins and which should result in them saving money on bin collections because they should put their bins out less.

If you want more information about the scrap waste bins click here.

Food scrap bins are only offered by the Auckland Council, to get a food scrap bin go to the Auckland Council Website.

If you need general rubbish removed from your property please email us here or call us to get a quote.

Photo by OurAuckland

What is a zero-waste lifestyle?

This is when people try to reduce their waste consumption by adjusting their life to using less or no plastics, single-use items and paper items, and replacing these harmful items with homemade, reusable and natural items that they can make or buy. The ultimate target is to produce no rubbish at all, so there is less rubbish in the landfills and everything is more environmentally friendly. The movement started between 1998-2002 but really came to life in 2009, when people actually started to change their way of living.

Why would you live a zero-waste lifestyle?

Everyone has a different reason to why they made the transition to a zero-waste life. Some reasons include climate change, saving money, they are against plastic waste, they want to reduce rubbish that ends up in the ocean or they have had some health issues because of toxins in plastics or makeup so they now live a zero-waste life. If you want to try a zero-waste lifestyle, you need to find your specific reason of why you are doing it, not because it\’s a trend. This is because it\’s not an easy lifestyle change but if you always go back to WHY you are doing it, you have a better chance in succeeding.

Examples of the Zero-waste lifestyle

Bea Johnson, a French American woman who lives in California, was one of the first to take action and live a zero-waste life with her family. She changed her life and got noticed worldwide for it. She then went on to write a book called “Zero Waste Home: The ultimate guide to simplifying your life by reducing your waste” and it got translated in over 25 languages. In addition to her book, she has an online store, website blog and she goes around the world talking about her passion for a zero-waste lifestyle and encourages people to do the same.

Another really well-known zero-waste lifestylist is Lauren Singer, who lives in New York and writes her own blog called trashisfortoossers.com. She documents her journey of her zero-waste life and writes about how you can live a zero-waste lifestyle too. She also runs an online shop selling zero-waste starter kits for people wanting to start their journey and need a little help. Some environmentally free items you can buy from her store are floss, deodorant and laundry detergent.

Where to start?

Now that you know what a zero-waste lifestyle is, the real question is, can you live a zero-waste lifestyle? It may seem overwhelming, even if you want to start, but the key to success is starting small and building up or even just changing one or two things to help the environment. Some people may not want to go to the extreme and live a complete zero-waste life but even reducing some waste or recycling can help future generations.

Small changes you can make

• Replace your plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.
• Use cotton reusable bags for shopping and carrying things.
• Start a compost.
• Use glass jars to store ingredients.
• Use a reusable glass bottle instead of plastic bottles.

If you want more ways to make changes there are many books and blogs out there about reducing waste, environmentally friendly lifestyles and zero-waste lifestyles.

If you have any rubbish to remove from your home that is cluttering up your life, make sure you call us or email us. We would love to help you get rid of the trash in your life so you can be on your way to a more environmentally free and zero waste life.

Or like us on Facebook for more blogs!

So, how do you get rid of your massive pile of rubbish in Auckland? Well, of course the simple, easy option is to get us to remove it and dump it for you. Although, if you have that DIY kiwi attitude and a truck/tailor, you could dump it yourself.

Therefore, here are the prices of dumping at the Henderson tip:

• A max of  20 litres of of domestic hazardous waste, in their original containers– Priced at the weigh bridge
• Bags of domestic rubbish  -$8.50 per bag
• Fire Extinguishers – $15 per bottle
• Recycling Steel (domestic and Commercial) – Free
• Commercial reuse – $200 per tonne (min charge $85)
• Domestic green waste – $25 up to 120kg
• Commercial green waste – $140 per tonne (mini charge $55)
• Tyres – $8 each
• Polystyrene (max 2 bags minimum charge applies) $1,900 per tonne
• Car body (empty shell and no rubbish) – free
• Car body with rubbish – $79
• Gas bottles (up to 9kg) – $9 each
• Fluorescent Tubes – $6

Items they accept:

Household general rubbish, clothing, shoes, textiles, carpet, construction and demolition clean fill, concrete, corrugated iron, fibreglass, fibrolite, tiles, sawdust, soil and clay, glass, polystyrene, timber, wood, smoke alarms, televisions, washing machines, dryers, fridges, freezers, stoves, computer and computer parts, non-compostable garden waste, oil, garden waste, mirrors, light bulbs, gas bottles and cylinders, paint tins, anti-freeze, swimming pool chemicals, fire extinguisher, fuel, paint, garden chemicals, household chemicals, solvent tins, engine oil containers, animal carcase, furniture, lawnmowers, stoves, carpet, aerosol, spray cans, barbecue, mattress, pillows, cushions, iron, steel, car parts, paper, cardboard, plastic, tyres and more.

If you need to know anymore information visit their website here.

If you would like us to remove your rubbish please contact us at 0800 dump me.