Papakura’s red-top rubbish bins are now being collected – the last piece of the three-bin system that has been rolled out across the area.

How does the new system work? 

The old pre-paid orange council bags are out – if you're a Papakura resident, you simply need to buy a tag for your bin from the supermarket, council service centre or other participating local stores. Then simply attach the tag to the left handle on collection day, so that rubbish collectors know to empty the bin as the collection has been paid for.

There are three tags available, which correspond to the three different bin sizes that residents have been able to choose from.

Papakura leading the way with three bins

Ian Stupple, General Manager Waste Solutions, is looking forward to seeing the three-bin system in action for the first time.

“Papakura is now the first area in Auckland to have the three-bin system, which is a model for how waste collections will work across the rest of the region.

“Not only does Papakura now have the cleaner, easier-to-use rubbish bins instead of bags, but they’ve got the chance to reduce their household rubbish by using the food scraps service.

“The less people throw away, the more they will be able to save on their rubbish collection.”

Do you live in Papakura? Here's what you need to know:

• Red-top rubbish bin collections start from 21 May.
• Red-top bins must be placed on the kerbside on your usual collection day, the same place as you would put your recycling and food scrap bins. Make sure the bin is not on the road and is away from any poles, trees and fences.
• You must buy a tag for your bin and attach it to the left handle of their bin on collection day.
• There are three tags: blue tags for 80-litre bins ($2.60), orange tags for 120-litre bins ($3.80), or green tags for 240-litre bins ($5.50).
• Tags are available from supermarkets, council service centres and other local stores such as participating dairies.
• If you've got extra bags, you can swap them for tags at the Auckland Council service centre at 35 Coles Crescent.
• Be sure to roll your bin back onto your property after collection.
• By using your food scraps bin and your recycling bin, you’ll be able to put less into your red-top bin. If you only put your red-top bin out when it’s full, you’ll save money on your rubbish collection.