Exciting new services are now available at Carterton District Transfer Station with the introduction of a soft plastics and battery recycling trial.
Carterton residents can now drop off clean, soft plastics and a range of batteries at the district transfer station for free.
Residents and ratepayers have repeatedly told Carterton District Council that recycling batteries and soft plastics were a priority for the District.
And options have now increased for locals looking to be greener and leaner with their waste.
Carterton District Council has responded by entering into an agreement with Upcycle for the recycling of batteries. Upcycle will handle the management of these sensitive materials.
A battery bucket is available at our recycling station, and stations throughout Wairarapa, for small household batteries from devices like TV remote controls, torches, or hearing aids.
Components from the batteries will be separated for re-use, recovery, and re-processing.
Soft plastics will be collected and baled at Earthcare’s Mixed Recycling Facility in Masterton before being transported to Future Post, a Kiwi company manufacturing fence posts.
Mayor Hon. Ron Mark has welcomed the increase in recyclable material. Mayor Ron is a keen recycler and has been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the services in his District.
“I am so excited about this announcement,” he said.
“At home, I normally have one of our Carterton District rubbish bags every three or four months, and it’s usually full of soft plastics. With this announcement, I think my household could be down to zero.”
“It’s up to all of us. If you want to reduce your waste, reduce your fees at the Transfer Station, then sort your stuff out. Clean them out, take them to the transfer station and dump it for free. How hard is that?”
Cody Field, Wairarapa Zero Waste Coordinator, also welcomed the expansion of recycling services in Carterton.
“This is great news for the environment, given the damage leaking batteries does to our soil and water.”
Cody said it was important to remember to take care when disposing of batteries.
“There’s a potential risk of fires at our Transfer Station, so please take great care when disposing of batteries. Ensure they are in the battery bucket provided.
“To avoid short circuits, please place some masking tape over the tops of lithium and lead acid batteries. There are some available at the recycling point, but please remember to leave some behind for others! If we’re running short, please let a staff member know.
Cody was also keen to ensure the right kind of clean, soft plastics were being recycled.
“Just pop your clean, dry soft plastics into the bins at the Transfer Station. We will do the rest.
“The end use for soft plastics through the recycling process is exciting.
“The community has been asking for more recycling opportunities, and as soft plastics are not able to be collected from kerbside collections at present, this is the next best thing.
“Alternative packaging and reuse systems are becoming more frequently available to consumers and also regulation and bans of single-use plastics are having a positive impact much of our litter is soft plastic due to the fact it is so lightweight, which allows it to get into our waterways and natural environment, causing irreversible issues for our native wildlife.”
Please remember the transfer stations do not accept compostable or plant-based plastics.
Batteries must not be damaged.
Batteries and soft plastics must be taken to the Transfer Station, and not placed in recycling wheelie bins. Please place vehicle batteries in the existing designated area.
- Visit our Sustainability section or wairecycle.nz for more information on soft plastics and battery recycling or contact Carterton District Council on 06 379 4030 or info@cdc.govt.nz.
- Visit our YouTube channel for a series of videos on the new service.
Questions and Answers on the new soft plastic and battery services
How much will it cost me to recycle batteries and soft plastics?
- It is free to recycle batteries and soft plastics at Carterton Transfer Station. It is also free to recycle plastic bottles, glass bottles, and tins. You can also dispose of your Carterton District rubbish bags at the transfer station without further charge.
How do I recycle batteries?
- Please use the bucket in the recycling shed at the station. Please make sure all batteries are taped on the positive side. Tape is available at the recycling point. Please leave some for other users. If not available, please contact a member of staff. Download a guide.
What are soft plastics?
- Soft plastics include bread bags, fresh produce, packaging for toilet paper, cereals, courier packs, lightly foiled packs, biscuits and chippie packets, bubble wrap, garden potting mix bags, dry pet food bags – basically, anything that can be scrunched into a ball.
What kind of batteries are not accepted?
- Damaged batteries are not accepted. Please place vehicle batteries in the existing designated area.
What types of batteries can be recycled?
- The following types of batteries can be disposed of: Alkaline, Lithium, Nickel, Nickel Metal Hydride, Zinc Manganese Dioxide; Zinc Carbon and Manganese [Heavy Duty]; Coin Cell Battery; Li-ion; Silver Oxide and Zinc Air Battery (Hearing Aid Battery); Lithium Polymer Battery Pack; Laptop Battery; Ni-Cd; Nickel Cadmium Battery Pack.
What else do I need to know about safely recycling batteries?
Here are a few more safety tips for recycling batteries:
- Use only the type of battery specified by the manufacturer on the device.
- Always store batteries in a dry place at room temperature.
- Place batteries in the device in the correct way. (+ve and –ve terminal)
- Keep batteries away from children and pets. – Do not store waste batteries in a metal container.
- To store waste batteries for recycling, all terminals must be taped to avoid short-circuiting.
- Do not attempt to recharge non-rechargeable batteries.
- Always turn the device off before removing batteries.
- Do not overheat the batteries.
- Battery leaks can be caused by trying to recharge disposable cells, mixing battery types, mixing new batteries with old batteries, overheating, storing batteries in a damp environment, and leaving batteries in the device during long-term storage.
How do I recycle soft plastics?
- Make sure your soft plastics are clean and dry. You can take them to the recycling shed at the Transfer Station and place them in the soft plastics sack. Recycling soft plastics is free.
Where do I put them?
- All domestic recycling can go to the recycling shed at the Transfer Station. Batteries and soft plastics must be taken to the Transfer Station, and not placed in recycling wheelie bins.
When is the transfer station open?
The Carterton District transfer station at Dalefield Road is open:
- Tuesday: 9am – 11am
- Wednesday: 9am – 11am
- Thursday: 9am – 11am
- Friday: 9am – 11am
- Saturday: 9am – 12pm
- Sunday: 11am – 4.30pm
- Closed: Good Friday, ANZAC Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day
Where do I get more information?
- Visit cdc.govt.nz/sustainability or wairecycle.nz for more information on soft plastics and battery recycling or contact Carterton District Council on 06 379 4030 or info@cdc.govt.nz.