How to get the most out of Too Good To Waste
You want to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle to do your bit in protecting te taiao (the environment), but you're busy and you've got loads of other stuff to think about. That's where Too Good To Waste (TGTW) comes in: We want to make living sustainably as easy as possible - doing what you can, when you can.
Let's explore!
1) The search bars
These are the classic TGTW features: search tools that let you look up what goes into which bin, and when your bins get picked up.
Take that empty Pringles tube, for example. You might think that it can go into your yellow-rid recycling bin, however the 'Which bin do I use' search bar reveals that, because of its plastic coating, the tube needs to go into your red-lid rubbish bin (same reason that most single-use takeaway cups do).
As for when your bins get picked up: Simply start typing your address (so long as you live in Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai / Lower Hutt) into the home page's search bar and select your address. You'll then see what you need to put out and when, as well as your very own Rubbish & Recycling calendar!
2) Get your Rubbish & Recycling booklet
Want the key facts and want them now? This booklet is for you. It covers what goes into which bin, how our stickers work, where to take special / hazardous waste, and more. Plus, it's available in simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, Hindi, te reo Māori and Samoan, so many of our residents who don't speak English can get in on the action! Please do share it with them if you know anyone in Lower Hutt that this applies to.
3) Dive into the Kidzone
This website isn't just for adults - it's for all ages! Our Kidzone includes choice games, activities and resources for tamariki. Wanna play a recycling board game? We got you. Fancy an eco-crossword? Done. Think you can make your way out of the Recycling Maze? Prove it. If you want to explore sustainable living with your kids, this is a great place to start.
4) Explore the Hutt like never before
Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai / Lower Hutt is brimming with opportunities for living more sustainably, but people are so busy that it's easy to miss cool things right on your doorstep. For example: Want to drop off a load of old stuff you not longer need? Swing by Earthlink, and be sure to visit their incredible shop while you're at it! Keen to get some fresh air and clean up our city while you're at it? The Petone Beach Clean Up Crew would love to hear from you. Discover heaps of amazing locations and activities in our Supporting The Hutt section.
5) Grab the popcorn
When browsing this website, you'll see YouTube videos popping up - don't miss them! From a world of recycled wonders to a surprisingly young recycling expert, our official Too Good To Waste YouTube channel is packed with videos you’ll want to watch.
6) Keep coming back
One of the best things about Too Good To Waste is that it’s an ever-evolving website. We want this to be a one-stop shop for sustainable living in Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai. From the simple things like when your bins go out, to more in-depth resources like calculating your carbon footprint.