Image of assorted metal cans and tins with a recycling sign

Home > Recycling > Metallic Packaging Recycling

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, especially the small ones! It’s all part of our aim to become a one-stop shop for metal recycling.

For all enquiries: ewaste@pmrnz.co.nz


Types of Metallic Packaging Accepted↓

Recycling NZ’s used cans:

56,000,000+

812,932kgs recycled
FY24: 01 April 2023 – 31 March 2024
(approx. 70 cans per kg)
Phoenix weighbridge sustainability data

TYPES OF
METAL PACKAGING WE RECYCLE

Metal packaging recycling - Clean Steel Cans With Lids

Clean Steel Cans With Lids

We accept clean steel cans with lids, ensuring they are free from food residues for efficient recycling.

Metal packaging recycling - Aluminium Cans & Tabs

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.

Metal packaging recycling - Bottle Caps

Bottle Caps

We accept various types of bottle caps, including those from beer and soft drinks, which can be recycled into new products.

Metal packaging recycling - Wine Bottle Caps

Wine Bottle Caps

Aluminium wine bottle caps are accepted, provided they are clean and free from additional contaminants.

Metal packaging recycling - champagne cork wire

Champagne Cork Wire

The wire from champagne corks is recyclable and accepted, contributing to sustainable disposal practices.

Metal packaging recycling - Clean Jar Lids

Clean Jar Lids

We accept clean jar lids, ensuring they are free from food residues and other contaminants.

Metal packaging recycling - Clean Foil Trays

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.

Metal packaging recycling - Foil

Foil

Clean aluminium foil is accepted, provided it is free from food and grease.

Metal packaging recycling - tea light candle holders

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.

Find my nearest location

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

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   

Although certain metal packaging is no longer allowed in your home bins, that doesn’t mean it isn’t recyclable! At Phoenix, we recycle a range of different metal packaging. We give you an easy and convenient way to continue to recycle, with drop-off points up and down the country that will collect all these disallowed items.

WHY RECYCLE
METALLIC PACKAGING?

Metal packaging is highly recyclable. Unlike other materials, these metals can be recycled multiple times without losing their quality, making them an important component of a circular economy.

Recycling metal packaging helps conserve natural resources, such as bauxite for aluminium and iron ore for steel, reducing energy consumption and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Find your local drop-off point and recycle your metal packaging with Phoenix.


Find my nearest location


THE
RECYCLING
PROCESS

Recyclable metallic packaging

The recycling process for metal packaging at Phoenix Recycling involves several steps to ensure efficient and effective recycling:

  • Metal packaging is collected 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 the metal packaging is sorted, it undergoes a thorough cleaning process to remove any contaminants, such as food residue or labels, which is crucial to ensure the quality of the recycled material.

  • After cleaning and preparation, 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 cleaned, 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 forms 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.

Find my nearest location



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.

Phoenix collect, accumulate, process, package, transport & export over 130 types of metallic product specifications.