RECYCLING
METALLIC
PACKAGING
RECYCLING
Metal packaging recycling is a core service here at Phoenix, and it has only become more important with nationwide changes to home recycling regulations. In addition to aluminium and tin cans, which we already recycle, we accept foil and steel packaging, including many products you can no longer place in your kerbside recycling bins as of 1 February 2024. We can support the responsible disposal of these items. It’s all part of our aim to become a one-stop shop for metal recycling.
For all enquiries: ewaste@pmrnz.co.nz
Recycling NZ’s used cans:
59,000,000+
843,650kgs recycled
FY24: 01 April 2024 – 31 March 2025
(approx. 70 cans per kg)
Phoenix weighbridge sustainability data
TYPES OF
METAL PACKAGING WE RECYCLE
Clean Steel Cans With Lids
We accept clean steel cans with lids, ensuring they are free from food residues for efficient recycling.
Aluminium Cans & Tabs
Aluminium drink cans and tabs from beverages like beer and soft drinks are accepted and ready to be processed into new materials.
Bottle Caps
We accept various types of bottle caps, including those from beer and soft drinks, which can be recycled into new products.
Wine Bottle Caps
Aluminium wine bottle caps are accepted, provided they are clean and free from contaminants.
Champagne Cork Wire
The wire from champagne corks is recyclable and accepted, contributing to sustainable disposal practices.
Clean Jar Lids
We accept clean jar lids, ensuring they are free from food residues and other contaminants.
Clean Foil Trays
Aluminium foil trays, such as those used for takeaways and baking, are accepted if they are clean and free from food residues.
Foil
Clean aluminium foil is accepted, provided it is free from food and grease.
Tea Light Candle Holders
We accept clean tea light candle holders, which can be recycled into new materials.
RULE CHANGES
TO THE WAY WE
RECYCLE
Since February 1, 2024, New Zealand has been implementing nationwide changes to standardise recycling rules. These changes include stricter sorting and disposal requirements for metal packaging, such as aluminium and steel tins and cans. This initiative aims to reduce contamination and improve the efficiency of recycling processes.
What Can Go In Recycling Bins?
✓ Glass bottles and jars
✓ Paper and cardboard
✓ Plastic bottles, trays, and containers
(grades 1, 2 and 5 only)
✓ Tin, steel, and aluminium cans (clean)
What Can’T Go In Recycling Bins?
Items less than 50mm (e.g. caps, small cosmetic and spice containers)
Aerosol cans (steel and aluminium)
Liquid paperboard (Tetrapak and juice boxes)
Plastics 3, 4, 6 and 7
Aluminium foil and trays
All lids
Items over 4 litres
While some metal packaging is no longer accepted in kerbside recycling, it’s still recyclable.
We make it easy to keep these items in the loop with convenient drop-off points located across the country.
WHY RECYCLE
METALLIC PACKAGING?
Metal packaging is exceptionally recyclable. Unlike many other materials, metals can be recycled repeatedly without losing quality, making them a key player in the circular economy.
By recycling metal packaging, we help conserve valuable natural resources like bauxite (used for aluminium) and iron ore (used for steel) while also cutting energy use and lowering greenhouse gas emissions
THE
RECYCLING
PROCESS
The recycling process for metal packaging at Phoenix Recycling involves several steps to ensure efficient and effective recycling:
-
Metal packaging is derived from a variety of sources, such as households, businesses, and recycling drop-off points. The gathered materials undergo sorting to separate aluminium, steel, and other metals.
-
Once prepared, the sorted metal packaging is exported from New Zealand to approved recycling facilities, which are equipped to efficiently handle the complex processes required for recycling metal.
-
The metal packaging is shredded into smaller pieces to aid the melting process, and melted in furnaces at high temperatures to create molten metal.
-
The molten metal is poured into moulds or processed into sheets or ingots. These recycled materials are then used to manufacture new products, such as cans, automotive parts, construction materials, and more.
PHOENIX RECYCLING
SCRAP METAL
PRICES
For the latest scrap metal prices, please contact your nearest Phoenix Recycling branch.
circular
economy
Metals are at the heart of the global circular economy. Globally we need to reach net zero by transitioning to renewable sources of energy. Metals are core ingredients of all clean energy technologies; Phoenix’s metallic products for remelt will help power the future and build the essential infrastructure for our global society.