Metal Packaging is 100% recyclable at your local metal recycler - for immediate release
The Association of Metal Recyclers (AMR) is concerned that the new standardised kerbside collection system which has been rolled out around the country excludes a range of valuable metals packaging from collection. AMR is concerned that the messaging will lead people to think that these items are not recyclable, when in fact they are.
Council collections will no longer accept the metal lids from food cans unless the lids are left attached to the can, which is often not possible to achieve safely. Aluminium foil and trays which are increasingly being used to replace plastic will also be excluded despite representing a growing market using a 100% recyclable material.
The Association of Metal Recyclers’ members operate over 90 sites nationwide and they encourage New Zealanders to collect their metal packaging and drop it off for recycling. Metal recycling sites are looking to provide drop off bins for the public to use in lieu of their kerbside bins for an easy solution to ensure these metals continue to be recycled.
Items that will be accepted at most metal recycling yards include:
Food cans and lids, rinsed to remove food
- Beer bottle caps
- Jar lids
- Drink cans and tabs
- Foil and foil trays, rinsed to remove food
- Wine caps
Unfortunately, aerosol cans are not accepted at present because these are pressurised and can present a fire hazard, however the industry is supporting the members of the Food & Grocery Council to solve this issue so that this valuable metal is not lost to landfill.
Last year AMR members recovered 3146 Tonnes of aluminium cans which were exported to support the global circular economy.
AMR has a Find a Member directory on its website at nzamr.org.nz to make finding your local recycler easy.
For further information, please contact AMR President Glen Jacobs on 027 330 4091