Rubbish bags and collection

One of the new red rubbish bags out on the kerb for collection.

Find out where to buy rubbish bags, and how to make the most of our weekly collection service.

Heads up! From 1 July, we’re updating some of our fees and charges for rubbish and recycling services. Here’s what’s new:

Rubbish bags:

  • 60L bags: $3.80 each, $19 for a 5-pack
  • 40L bags: $2.80 each, $14 for a 5-pack

Compost:

  • 30L bag: $7

Awapuni green waste:

  • Car: $7
  • Trailer: $20
  • Van or ute: $20
  • Van or ute plus trailer: $40

Events recycling:

  • Option B (Self-servicing): $75
  • Option C (Council-serviced): $290

All prices include GST.

These new rates have been carefully reviewed and approved by the Council to ensure we can continue providing quality services.

Our rubbish bags are changing to the colour red.

We provide a weekly collection service for rubbish in official Palmerston North City Council bags. You can put out as many Council rubbish bags as you like, but rubbish in unofficial bags won't be collected.

Please be aware that we are slowly switching our kākāriki (green) rubbish bags for whero (red). You can read more about those changes here: Whero is red for rubbish

Council rubbish bags come in two sizes:

  • 40 litres (maximum cost of $2.80 each)
  • 60 litres (maximum cost of $3.80 each)
  • The maximum cost for 5 x 40-litre bags is $14, and the maximum cost for 5 x 60-litre bags is $19.

Our rubbish and recycling collection service operates every weekday except Good Friday and Christmas Day. If your collection day falls on one of these two days, we'll pick it up the following Saturday. Can't wait that long or going away? You can drop off your Council rubbish bag at the Envirowaste transfer station in Matthews Ave for no extra charge.

Where to buy Council rubbish bags

Rubbish bags in both sizes are available from our customer service centre or the retailers listed below, who have agreed to the maximum prices per bag:

  • Countdown (all local stores)
  • Mitre 10 Mega
  • New World (Aokautere, Melody's and Pioneer Highway)
  • Pak'nSave

Dairies (larger bags only)

  • Hokowhitu Four Square, Albert Street
  • Village Four Square & Lotto, Ashhurst
  • Winchester Store, Ruahine Street

Where and when to put rubbish bags out

To prevent animals getting into your rubbish and making a mess, it's best to put your rubbish out on the morning of collection rather than the night before.

Place rubbish bags at the edge of the kerb, by 7.30am on your collection day.

Rubbish collection tips

  • The maximum weight for each bag is 10kg.
  • Secure the top of the bag.
  • Let any ashes cool before placing them in the bag.
  • Wrap sharp objects and broken glass in newspaper.
  • No hazardous waste.

Reduce, re-use, recycle

Let's all minimise the amount of waste that goes to landfill – reduce, re-use and recycle. We also offer a recycling collection service every week at the same time as your rubbish collection.

  

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