Recycling bin inspections

Recycling correctly is one of the simplest ways we can all help reduce waste and protect our environment.

Since February 2025, WasteNet has been carrying out yellow bin inspections to help raise awareness about proper recycling habits, and ensure bin contamination is minimised.

Yellow recycling bins are checked and tagged based on their contents, using an easy-to-understand traffic light system. To further support good recycling habits, a three-strikes system is now in place.

How it works

• 🟢 Green tag: Ka pai! Your household has nailed recycling
• 🟠 Orange tag: A few incorrect items were found in your bin
• 🔴 Red tag: Major contamination – your bin won’t be collected, and you'll need to remove the contamination before the next scheduled collection run

If a household receives three red tags within a calendar year, its recycling service will be suspended until a Reinstatement Agreement Form is signed and returned.

The recycling bin inspection initiative is about education, awareness, and empowering our community. It also helps to reduce the cost of sending contaminated recycling to landfill.

Since the recycling bin inspection initiative was introduced, about 90 percent of households are now recycling correctly.

Together, we can make a difference - one bin at a time.