Times & Days

Please see below for pick-up days and times.

Collection Times - Christchurch CBD

The Christchurch Central Business District (CBD) has a weekly recycling collection service. Collection of refuse and recycling is done at night. These times vary, so recycling crates need to be out by 5:30pm to ensure collection.

Collection Times - Christchurch Suburb / Rural

Collection of recycling crates start at 7:30am on the weekday specified for your area, and should be completed by 4:00pm. Collection times may vary depending on the route chosen, so to ensure your recycling crates are collected, please place them at your gate by 7:30am. Please place secured bags of paper on the crate and tied bundles of cardboard beside the crate.

Note: There are some areas in Christchurch city where collection times may differ due to traffic congestion, and the safety of workers and the public. For example, Papanui Road's and Riccarton Road's recycling are collected at night, so crates need to be out by 5:30pm to ensure collection. Trucks collecting from small lanes may collect on a different day and/or time to the rest of the area.

Collection Times - Waimakariri District

Collection begins at 8am - please ensure your crate is out by this time.

Collection on normal days

To determine your collection day, please click the link below that matches your area/region.

• Christchurch City
• Waimakariri District

Collection on public holidays - Christchurch and Waimakariri

Normal collections take place when your recycling day falls on:

• Waitangi Day
• Easter Monday
• Queen's Birthday
• Labour Day
• Show Day
• Boxing Day
• January 2

Please ensure that all crates are out by 7:30am (Christchurch) or 8am (Waimakariri) as usual, as the contractor may come earlier than you expect if there is less recycling to collect.

The following public holidays do not have recycling collection:

• Christmas Day
• New Years Day
• Easter Good Friday
• Anzac Day

If these collection days fall on a:

• Monday or Tuesday
  Please place your crate out for collection by the appropriate time for your area (see above) on the Saturday the week before.

• Wednesday, Thursday or Friday
  Please place your crate out for collection on the following Saturday by the appropriate time for your area (see above).

Public notices will be placed in local newspapers on Wednesday and Saturday prior to the holiday if there are to be any changes to collection days or times.

Click here to read Frequently Asked Questions

Please email info@realrecycling.com with any questions or comments.