Once your recycling is picked up, it's dropped at the Timaru Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) - a collaboration with 6 local councils to improve environmental outcomes in their communities.

Watch the Timaru Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) video HERE.
The facility processes 10,000 tonnes of recyclable materials per annum and reduces landfill waste by keeping valuable resources in circulation supporting New Zealand’s shift towards a circular economy. This is the largest resource recovery hub in the area processing kerbside mixed recycling for lower South Island councils and commercial customers.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
- The MRF sorts your recycling by machines and by hand...this includes cardboard, paper, plastic (1, 2 and 5 ONLY) and cans.
- Paper and cardboard moves through a fibre optical sorter.
- An eddy current removes aluminium cans, and large magnets remove steel cans.
- Plastics (1, 2 and 5 ONLY) and cans are dropped into large cages and the separated materials are fed into a baler.
- Items that can’t be recycled are totally removed.
- Once all items are sorted and separated, the recyclables are transported to local and international markets so as to have a second life.
Watch the Timaru Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) video HERE.