While Milton residents are showing great enthusiasm for recycling, ongoing contamination at the Transfer Station is prompting Council to remind the community to take extra care to ensure recyclables can be processed efficiently.
“The community is showing how well the Milton Transfer Station can work when everyone does their bit,” Scott Martin, Waste and Greenspace Team Leader, says.
The glass recycling collection, for example, has been a great success, with more than 700kg of glass diverted for recycling since the scheme began in September 2026. The glass has been perfectly sorted with no contamination, and Council thanks everyone who has helped make this possible.
"It’s a fantastic example of what can be achieved when the community works together, and Council is asking residents to show the same care when using the household recycling facilities.”
Even a small amount of contamination can cause recyclable materials to be rejected, making it harder for RecycleSouth to process them efficiently. Council wants to ensure the hard work of residents who recycle correctly is not undone and that the purpose of these recycling stations is not defeated. By taking extra care to sort items correctly, everyone can help ensure these items are managed correctly and responsibly.
While Council’s preference is education and improving awareness, it is also considering what enforcement options are available as well as installing CCTV cameras at the Milton Transfer Station to identify repeat offenders.
What you can recycle
At the transfer stations in Clinton, Lawrence, Milton, Ōwaka and Tapanui, you can recycle the following items in the household recycling bins (yellow lids):
- Paper – clean paper
- Cardboard – clean cardboard
- Plastics – types 1, 2 and 5
- Cans – clean aluminium and tin cans
What to leave out
To help keep recycling clean and prevent contamination, please do not put the following items in the household recycling bins (yellow lids):
Glass can be placed in the blue lidded bins for recycling at the Milton transfer station. Residents are encouraged to check what can and cannot be recycled before visiting the site and help protect this valued service. For recycling advice, visit Clutha District Council’s website or contact Council’s Waste Team on 0800 801 350.
Council Services & Facilities
