Why can't I put lids in recycling?

Lids, caps and tops (except for tethered lids, caps and tops) are not allowed in the recycling bin for these reasons:

• Small loose lids and caps are too small for recycling plants to sort successfully
• Large flat lids, like those from ice cream containers, act like paper and cardboard in the mechanical sorting and end up contaminating collected paper and cardboard.
• When lids are left on closed bottles and containers, liquid or food is more likely to remain inside and the container will be discarded to landfill.
• Detachable lids, caps and tops are often a different grade of plastic from the base bottle or container.
• Pumps and triggers, such as those found on household cleaners, are made of multiple materials which are difficult to separate for recycling. They are considered a type of lid and are excluded.

EXCEPTION:  lids, caps and tops that are tethered to a recyclable container that is accepted in kerbside recycling. Tethered means that it stays attached to the bottle or container when open and cannot be easily removed, they should be left open and attached for recycling. Tethered lids include steel-can lids (ends) that have not been fully removed from the empty can.

Please remove all lids from plastic items 1, 2 and 5 and place in your red rubbish bin – or find some creative reuse for them.

This information was taken from Standard materials for kerbside collections: Guidance | Ministry for the Environment.

From 1st February 2024 what can go into the council kerbside recycling is the same across Aotearoa New Zealand.