We can sort rubbish according to its properties

Sorting rubbish: metal, paper, plastic, glass, landfill, compost

We can sort (whakawehewehe) rubbish in a variety of ways using senses, material properties and origins (pūtake). Senses can be used to classify rubbish (rāpihi). Rubbish can be sorted by its properties as in the Physical properties of rubbish table and by its origins in the Waste classification table (pūtakenga).

Rubbish can also be sorted by how we dispose of it. Food and organic material may be composted, and recyclable materials such as cans, plastics, glass are chemically altered during the recycling process.