Public place litter bins and illegal dumping

We provide public place rubbish and recycling bins around the Queenstown Lakes District to keep our open spaces clean and beautiful. Public place rubbish and recycling bins are for use when out and about - they’re not for commercial, household or camping waste.

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Public place litter bins

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Examples

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FAQs

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Littering and illegal dumping

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Public place litter bins

There are various types of public place recycling and rubbish bins throughout the District. Each bin has clear signage showing what items can be placed inside.

Check the signs before disposing of your waste.

QLDC Public Place Litter Bins Info Sep25

Example of public place litter bins

  • Public place litter bin.

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  • Public rubbish and recycling bins at Lake Whakatipu (Frankton).

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  • Glass bottle public recycling bins.

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  • Dog poo bag public bin.

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Frequently asked questions

  • You can recycle glass bottles and jars, and aluminium cans using dedicated recycling bins found across the district, mainly in busy areas like lakefronts and parks.

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  • Recycling requires materials to be clean and uncontaminated. Materials contaminated by food and liquids, even if technically recyclable, may prevent other materials from being recycled and can end up in landfill.

    Previous public place litter bin audits have shown that paper, cardboard, and plastics are often too contaminated by food and liquid waste to recycle, while cans and glass bottles are usually clean and can be recycled multiple times without loss of quality.

    To recycle clean paper, cardboard, and plastic bottles (marked 1, 2, or 5), either take them home and put them in the yellow recycling bin or take along to a Recycling Centre. Opting for drinks in cans or glass bottles is even better as they are easier to recycle.

    Read more about the previous changes to public place litter bins.

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  • You’ve seen one of our split body trucks in action. They are predominantly used to service public place litter bins. These trucks have three separate sections, allowing them to collect glass, cans, and rubbish in one run, without mixing materials.

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    • Refill your reusable water bottle at refill stations all over the district - check RefillNZ for details.

    • Bring your own cup for takeaway coffees, smoothies or juices.

    • Bring your own container for takeaway food.

    • Choose minimal packaging and glass or cans for beverages.

    More tips at QLDC - Cut Your Waste.

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Littering and illegal dumping

Littering and illegal dumping in public spaces is an offence under the Litter Act 1979, and everyone has a role in keeping our district clean.

If Council identifies that you have illegally dumped litter, enforcement will be undertaken in accordance with the Litter Act 1979 which may include infringements or further escalated enforcement action. Council has a set infringement fee structure enabled under the Litter Act 1979 with infringement amounts of up to $400.

How can you help? 

  • Be a Tidy Kiwi and take your rubbish home when there are no public place litter bins provided.

  • If you see an overflowing bin, look around to see if another public bin is accessible, or take your rubbish with you. Contact the council to report the overflowing bin.

  • Participate in a community cleanup.  Register to a cleanup event during the Clean Up Week – Keep New Zealand Beautiful.

    • During  Clean Up Week, council supports this initiative by offering free disposal of litter at our transfer stations to registered groups.

    • Loan litter kits are also available at Frankton, Queenstown and Wānaka libraries.

  • If you see litter or illegal dumping of larger items (e.g. tyres, furniture, building materials) on council land, report it and contact the council.

Related Content

QLDC Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2025-2031

This plan sets a clear direction for reducing waste, cutting emissions, and moving toward a circular economy.

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