Love NZ – Recycle in public places

The first ‘Love NZ – Recycle with care’ bins can now be found in Kaikoura and there are more to come as interest from business to support recycling in public places picks up.

Recycling in public places is an easy way everyone can
contribute to sustainability.

While New Zealanders and overseas travellers were still in holiday mode Environment Minister Trevor Mallard launched New Zealand’s first ‘Love NZ – Recycle with care’ recycling bins in picture perfect Kaikoura,. Now, locals and visitors to Kaikoura will be able to recycle glass, paper and some plastics while they are away from home.

Kaikoura is one of four pilot areas to trial recycling in public places. Wellington, Christchurch and the Far North are the other pilot areas and will have bins in place in the next few months.

The bins are part of the Recycling in Public Places initiative announced in 2007. The initiative aims to establish 600 recycling bins in public places throughout New Zealand by 2010. The Government has allocated $4.6 million to install and service these bins.

“Recycling in public places is an easy way we can all contribute to sustainability, as well as keeping our community clean and attractive to tourists,” Trevor Mallard said.

Having recycling facilities in public places will also help with international perceptions of New Zealand’s waste management performance.

“Overseas visitors expect to find recycling facilities in New Zealand. Recent research among this group shows that almost 80 per cent of respondents expect to recycle at tourism activities,“ Trevor Mallard said.

Caroline Read, Ministry Project Manager for the Recycling in Public Places Initiative, says the initiative is very much a partnership between local and central government.

“For this project to succeed, we rely on councils as our partners on the ground. Recycling is taking place in communities – and councils are at the forefront of improving waste management and resource recovery in New Zealand,” said Read.

To suit councils’ operational and design requirements, bins may vary in shape and size by location but the distinctive ‘Love NZ- Recycle with care’ brand will make them recognisable.

Although the initiative is the start of addressing issues around recycling in public places, 600 bins will not be enough for nationwide coverage. Read says the Ministry is keen for third parties to latch on to the initiative.

"This is a great opportunity for business and communities to show their commitment to their local environment. We are making our branding available for those who are keen to set up recycling in public places.”

The Ministry is already discussing the use of the ‘Love NZ – Recycle with care’ brand with tourism businesses. ‘Love NZ - Recycle with care’ branded bins have also been used at the In Tune with Nature festival. The Vodafone Homegrown music festival in Wellington will follow suit in April.

For more information email info@mfe.govt.nz or phone (04) 439 7400.

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