Standard kerbside rubbish bag size reminder

The Waikato District Council is reminding residents the standard size rubbish bag for kerbside rubbish collection is 60L with a 15kg weight maximum.

This ensures rubbish contractors can safely lift and shift rubbish bags into collection trucks. The 60L 'low cost' black bags are a good option to use for kerbside rubbish. 

Rubbish bags that are larger than the standard size may not be collected and will have a ‘bag too big’ sticker applied from September 2025 to alert residents to why their rubbish was not collected.

Waste Services Manager Sally Fraser said it was essential residents kept to the size and weight limit to ensure rubbish collectors can safety lift the bags.

“Our rubbish contractors lift hundreds of bags a week. They need to be able to lift and shift the bag from tie at the top of the bag and not touch the body of the bag which could contain hidden hazards.

“Bags that exceed the standard size can cause delays on the rubbish collection route and put contractors at risk. If residents have more rubbish than safely fits inside a 60L bag, they will need to use additional bags and additional stickers.”

Bags that are not accepted by Council for kerbside rubbish collection include:

• The red pull string bags are 75L
• The black bags with white string can be 80L or 100L
• Garden bags can be 100L or 160L
• Black bags with handles can be 120L

Example of a correct size – 60L standard rubbish bag

60L std rubbish bag – generally says 'low cost' on it, tie at top – this is perfect. Customers need to be looking out for 60L sizing.

Incorrect size

75L red drawstring bag – too big

80L rubbish sacks with white tie

There is more information on our website about weekly rubbish collections:

• Weekly rubbish collection
• Pre-paid rubbish stickers and bin tags