Changes to Rubbish and Recycling

What's happening next?

• The new bins and crate for rubbish and recycling, and green waste if you opted in, will be delivered to households over April, May and June. 
• These will arrive with information in your letterbox on what goes in each bin, how to put them out for collection and your weekly pick up days. This information will also be available on our website.
• Council rubbish bags will stop being sold across Lower Hutt in June, so only buy what you need till then. Bags will not be collected from 1 July.You’ll be able to use your new bins and crate from 1 July 2021.
• You’ll be able to use your new bins and crate when the new service starts from 1 July 2021.

What if I haven't selected my bins?

HCC has now ordered bins in line with selections made. For those properties where no selection was received, they will receive the default bin sizes of 120l rubbish and 240l recycling.

However, following the commencement of the new service on 1 July, if you wish to change the bin size you received or sign up to our green waste service, please contact us to arrange for a change in service. Note that a service charge may apply to any changes made.

Is there a wheel in/out service available?

For elderly residents and those with disability or mobility challenges we offer a wheel in/ out service where the service provider will handle your bins. 

Is there anything else I need to do before the new service starts?

If you have a contract for your current rubbish collection, make sure you cancel it before 1 July 2021.

What about my existing green recycling crate?

When the new service starts 1 July only the new blue crates will be used for glass collection. The green recycling crates belong to you and you may like to repurpose them for example: planter boxes or garden storage. We will also be offering an option to pick up and recycle them and will provide an update on this before 30 June.

How will it work?

Weekly rubbish

If you’re the property owner, you’ll receive a a 120-litre (default option), 80-litre, or 240-litre wheelie bin.

Fortnightly recycling

For mixed recycling you’ll receive a 240-litre wheelie bin (default option), or you can choose a smaller 120-litre bin if you have less recycling.

For glass, you’ll get a 45-litre crate.

Optional green waste

You’ll also get to choose if you want to pay for green waste collection every four weeks. You’ll receive a 240-litre wheelie bin that is only for garden waste, not food waste.

How much will it cost?

These costs include GST, are indicative only and will appear on your revised bill from 1 July 2021.

*You currently pay $40 for recycling which will increase to $105 from July 2021 under the upgraded system

What could this look like for me?

Use our rubbish and recycling calculator to work out what you might pay with the new system.

Why are these changes happening?

We’re on the move to a sustainable future.

We’ve got to care more about producing less waste, recycling more and reducing our carbon emissions. We also need to extend the life of our landfill. 

We want to make a difference to the future of our city and environment.

Rubbish and recycling services haven’t changed for almost 20 years in Lower Hutt. We need a modern service, that is environmentally-friendly and easier for more people to use. Find out more about why we're making these changes,

More information

• Check out our Frequently Asked Questions
• For information on the consultation process, check out our Have your Say website
• Sign up to receive rubbish and recycling updates.