Glass recycling

This is a service introduced to help households recycle glass more efficiently and reduce the need to go to the transfer station. A dedicated glass crate will be provided to each household, and glass will be collected separately from other recycling.

From 1 February 2024 the government standardised what can go into council kerbside recycling, so that is the same across New Zealand. Standardising the materials collected across the country aims to improve the clarity and effectiveness of kerbside collections. 

Along with Hurunui and Clutha District Councils, Westland District Council was given until 1 January 2027 to establish infrastructure or services to implement glass recycling. We have now implemented a new Waste Collection contract that includes kerbside glass collection services.

Glass will be collected on your usual recycling day, but at a different time from your regular recycling bin. A separate truck specifically for glass collection will come around on the same day.

If your crate is at the kerbside by 8 am on recycling day and is not collected, please contact Smart Environmental Customer Service on:

• CustomerService@smartenvironmental.co.nz
• phone 0800 424990 or 06 261 1880.

You can place the following clean, unbroken glass items in your crate:

• Glass bottles (clear, green, brown)
• Glass jars

Please remove all lids and rinse the glass items before placing them in the crate.

Please don't pile up your glass any higher than the crate's rim, otherwise it can become dangerous for our collection team.

If you have more glass than the crate can contain, you can still drop off glass at the transfer station.

Do not place the following in your glass crate:

• Window glass or mirrors
• Pyrex or ovenware
• Drinking glasses
• Ceramics or crockery
• Light bulbs

These items can contaminate the recycling stream and should be disposed of through appropriate methods at your local transfer station.

Please contact the Smart Environmental Customer Service Team and provide your name and address:

• Phone: 0800 424 990 or (06) 261 1880
• Email: CustomerService@smartenvironmental.co.nz

If you do not want to receive the glass collection service, contact the Hokitika Transfer Station on 03 755 7594 to arrange for the crate to be removed from your property.

Please check that the address label on your crate is correct. If it appears you’ve received the wrong one or taken someone else’s by mistake, contact the Smart Environmental Customer Service Team to resolve the issue.

• Phone: 0800 424 990 or (06) 261 1880
• Email: CustomerService@smartenvironmental.co.nz

Place your crate at the kerbside by 8.00 am on your regular recycling day, as close to the kerbside as possible with your recycling bin.

Yes. Continue to use your standard recycling bin for all other recyclable materials (plastics, paper, cardboard, cans). Only glass should go in the new glass crate.

The collected glass is sorted and sent for recycling into new glass containers or other useful products, reducing landfill waste and supporting sustainable practices.

No, there is only one crate allocated per property. If you have more glass than the crate can contain, you can still drop off glass at the transfer station.

Contact the Smart Environmental Customer Service Team to receive a new crate. If the cause is wear and tear it will be replaced for free. Crates intentionally damaged will incur a replacement fee.

• Phone: 0800 424 990 or (06) 261 1880
• Email: CustomerService@smartenvironmental.co.nz