Forensic scientists are examining the recycling wheelie bin which had been sought by police investigating the disappearance of Auckland sex worker Carmen Thomas.
Police, who have said they believed Ms Thomas has been killed, said last month that Ms Thomas' wheelie bin had been missing from her home in Ngapuhi Rd, Remuera.
The wheelie bin was subsequently discovered on September 1 in Auckland, the Herald on Sunday reported.
Police spokeswoman Noreen Hegarty said the bin was being forensically tested.
She said police still did not know where Ms Thomas was, or who was involved in her disappearance.
Inquiry head Detective Inspector Mark Benefield said last month that police were looking for a killer after blood was found in Ms Thomas' car, which was abandoned on a Hamilton street.
Hundreds of motorists were stopped by police on August 18 in Whitford, 30km southeast of downtown Auckland, by police connected to the inquiry.
Ms Thomas was reported missing on July 13 when she failed to collect her five-year-old son, Jack, who had been staying with friends. There have been no confirmed sightings of her since June 27, her bank accounts had not been touched, and she had not contacted family or friends.
