Kerbside Collection Day Changes 2026
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Service Update – Welcome to our NEW contractor: Evolve Ventures Ltd.
From 1 July 2026, Evolve will take over kerbside waste and recycling services across the district. This positive change brings:
Modern collection trucks with updated branding
Enhanced recycling capacity
Expanded bin space for households
Improved sorting processes for cleaner, more efficient recycling
These improvements are designed to make your waste and recycling experience easier, safer, and more environmentally friendly.
Why are the changes happening?
The transition to Evolve ensures that our district:
Diverts more waste from landfill
Provides households with additional recycling capacity
Maintains cost-effective waste services
Offers improved recycling outcomes with on-truck and kerbside sorting
This move supports the district’s sustainability goals, reduces landfill waste, and increases opportunities for recycling.
What's changing and when?
All changes start from Wednesday 1st July, 2026 | |
Collection Day Changes for Bins and Bags. |
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New Collection Vehicles & Process |
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Recycling Bins |
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What this means for you.
You’ll see a few improvements with the new kerbside service:
More recycling space – extra room in your bins.
Save money – with increased recycling capacity across two bins now, you may find there is more space available in your blue bags, reducing how often you need to purchase them!
More ways to recycle:
– Lids/Caps can be dropped off at transfer stations.
– Free household battery recycling.
Preparing for the new service, what you need to know.
Your new yellow recycling bin will be delivered between 9–23 June. However, the new service does not begin until 1 July.
Until 30 June, please continue to use your existing service as normal, even if your new bin arrives earlier.
From 1 July, place all bins and bags at the kerbside by 8:00am on collection day, as you do now.
Your new yellow bin is for general recycling, including paper and cardboard, tins and cans, and plastics 1, 2, and 5. Your existing blue bin will continue to be used for clean, rinsed glass.
Please note that lids and caps are not accepted in either recycling bin.
There are no changes to blue bag general rubbish collections, except in Mōkau, Awakino, and Piopio, where your collection day will change to Tuesday.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Who is the new kerbside contractor?
Evolve Ventures Limited is the new kerbside contractor for recycling and blue bag collection, starting 1 July 2026. They will provide modern trucks, improved recycling sorting, and expanded bin capacity to make the service more efficient and sustainable.
Why and how was the new contractor selected?
The previous waste services contract was coming to an end, and under Waitomo District Council’s procurement policy the service was required to go through a competitive tender process.
Following this process, Evolve Ventures Limited was selected as the new kerbside contractor starting 1 July 2026 as the provider best placed to deliver waste services for the district, including modern trucks, improved recycling systems, and expanded capacity.
What improvements and benefits will this bring?
The new service introduces modern collection systems, increased recycling capacity, and improved service delivery across the district.
These changes will result in less waste going to landfill, cleaner and higher-quality recycling through better sorting, and more efficient use of bin space for households.
When does the new contractor start?
The new contractor will begin full service from 1 July 2026.
What changes to collection will I notice?
Day changes? Yes, but only for Mōkau, Awakino, and Piopio. Monday collections will move to Tuesday. All other areas remain unchanged.
Time changes? All bins must still be placed at the kerbside by 8:00am. However, collection times may vary throughout the day. In some areas, two trucks may service one route, which means bins and bags could be collected at different times. Please leave all bins and bags at the kerbside until they have been collected.
Process changes? Yes. Recycling will be sorted at the kerbside and again on the truck. As mentioned, some routes may have two trucks operating at different times during the day to improve recycling quality.
Will I get a new bin and when?
Yes. Each household will receive a new yellow recycling bin to be used for plastics, tins, cans, paper, and cardboard.
Your existing blue bin will continue to be used - but for glass only.
Bins will be delivered to properties between 9 – 23 June, with the new service starting on 1 July 2026. Please do not use your new bin until 1 July.
How does recycling work under the new system?
Under the new system, households will have two recycling bins:
Blue bin: Glass (existing bin)
Yellow bin: Plastics (1, 2 and 5), tins, cans, paper, and cardboard
Glass is collected separately to improve recycling quality and reduce contamination, allowing materials to be processed more efficiently.
Recycling is sorted both at the kerbside and on the truck during collection, helping ensure cleaner and higher-quality recycling outcomes. On the truck, the driver collects the crates and passes them to a sorter who works safely harnessed inside the truck. This role is interchangeable, and both staff are trained drivers. The sorter empties the crates onto the sorting table, where materials are sorted on the move during collection.
To support this, please ensure items are correctly sorted, lightly rinsed, and free from non-recyclable materials, as contaminated bins may not be collected.
Are there any changes with the blue general rubbish bags?
No, not at this stage.
Blue bags can still be purchased through your regular distributors/retailers (except they will not be available at transfer stations any longer) and placed at the kerbside by 8am for collection as normal.
With increased recycling capacity across two bins now, you may find there is more space available in your blue bags, reducing how often you need to purchase them!
Can I leave lids on bottles or recycle caps?
No. Please remove lids and caps - they cannot go in your recycling bins.
However, lids and caps can be recycled at transfer stations.
What happens if my recycling bin is contaminated?
Contaminated bins will not be collected.
Please remove non-recyclable items and present the bin again at your next collection. Or take recycling to a transfer station.
Are household batteries accepted?
No - not in your recycling bin as they may cause fires.
However, all transfer stations now accept household batteries free of charge.
How you can help.
Follow recycling guidelines to reduce contamination.
Separate glass and mixed recyclables correctly.
Use transfer stations for caps and household battery recycling.
Be patient and supportive of new contractors and staff.
Thank you, your cooperation ensures a smooth transition and helps everyone recycle more effectively.
(07) 878 0800 or 0800 932 4357