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Background

Although New Zealanders are excellent recyclers at home through council-managed kerbside recycling programmes and drop-off centres, the amount of waste being generated in public places and at events is increasing each year.

The Recycling in Public Places Initiative aims to complement the recycling services already provided by local authorities. This project is the next logical step to encourage a change in behaviour in relation to waste.

As part of the Government’s sustainability programme, and in partnership with local government, the Ministry is developing and promoting a network of recycling bins located in public places throughout New Zealand.

Funding for the project has been approved by Treasury for three years (2007–2010).

To date 23 Councils are involved in the initiative. They are:  Christchurch City, Far North District, Kaikoura District, Queenstown Lakes District, Wellington City and Environment Waikato (in partnership with Taupo District,  South Waikato District, Xtreme Waste Raglan,Thames Coromandel District and Otorohanga District), Auckland Regional Council, Auckland City Council (in partnership with North Shore, Waitakere, Frankton, ….), , Tauranga City, Gisborne District, Wanganui District, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Tasman District, Buller District, Westland District and Invercargill.District.

The intitiative is designed to test the operational and promotional aspects of providing recycling bins in public places, the project, focusing on high foot traffic and tourist locations in both the North and South Islands.

Year three of the initiative will continue to focus on these high-use areas. The operation of the recycling facilities will be supported by a promotional campaign supported by the Ministry, but delivered locally. For this financial year, funding is available for 220 recycling bins.

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