New nationwide recycling standards came into effect this month, but the New Zealand Association of Metal Recyclers (AMR) is "concerned" the new system "excludes a range of valuable metals packaging".
The AMR want Kiwis to "send less metals to landfill, not more," but fears the new system will compromise the progress made.
New nationwide recycling standards mean councils will no longer accept metal lids from food cans unless the lid remains attached to the can.
Aluminium foil and trays, which are increasingly being used to replace plastic, are also excluded from the new standards, "despite representing a growing market using 100 percent recyclable material," the AMR said.
The AMR is encouraging Kiwis to collect their metal packaging and drop it off for recycling at AMR sites across the country.
They are also investigating the viability of metal recycling sites providing drop-off bins for the public to use in lieu of kerbside bins.
Metal items that are accepted at most metal recycling yards include:
• Food cans and lids, rinsed to remove food
• Beer bottle caps
• Jar lids
• Drink cans and tabs
• Foil and foil trays, rinsed to remove food
• Wine caps
Aerosol cans cannot be accepted at present, but the AMR said, " the industry is supporting the members of the Food & Grocery Council to solve this issue so that this valuable metal is not lost to landfill".
In 2023, AMR members recovered 3146 tonnes of aluminium cans which they exported to support the global circular economy.
Those interested in finding their nearest AMR recycler can visit nzamr.org.nz.
