21 October 2020
Media: Rotorua Weekender
Topic: NZ Recycling Week
Enquiry
I'm getting in touch as I saw that it is New Zealand Recycling Week and I wondered if it would be possible to get a few comments from someone appropriate and the mayor to the below questions for a Weekender story?
Someone appropriate within council:
- Why is it important for the community to learn more about how recycling works? Why is recycling important in general?
- What sorts of tips are being shared/things are being done as part of New Zealand Recycling Week?
- What can people do/think about during New Zealand Recycling Week?
- Do you have any figures around the likes of how much recycling Rotorua produces a year etc?Mayor:
- Why do you encourage the community to get behind/learn more during New Zealand Recycling Week?
- Why is it so important for Rotorua to have knowledge around recycling?
Response
From Waste Services and Sustainability Manager Prashant Praveen:
Why is it important for the community to learn more about how recycling works? Why is recycling important in general?
It is important to understand what happens with both rubbish and recycling once it leaves the kerbside so that people can make informed choices about the waste they create.
Recycling helps to contribute to a 'circular economy', which means that resources can be used and reused, repeatedly. This maximises the resources that we already have, and impacts less on the natural environment.
For example, glass bottles can be recycled infinitely. Plastics 1, 2 and 5 can be recycled a number of times, and made into items like rubbish bins, fence posts, clothing etc.
We should not rely solely on recycling to minimise waste, but when done correctly, recycling is an effective way to reduce waste that goes to landfill.
The recycling and plastics industry does not have standardised guidelines and recycling symbols and processes can be complex. It's important that people learn how the recycling process works in their own communities.
What sorts of tips are being shared/things are being done as part of New Zealand Recycling Week?
Council will be sharing some insight into how the recycling service works for Rotorua residents, and reminding people about what can and can't be recycled.
What can people do/think about during New Zealand Recycling Week?
NZ Recycling Week is a chance to take a look at how we can improve the way we use the recycling system, and get a better understanding of why it is important to recycle correctly.
Some ways people can improve their recycling habits:
- Check the list of items that should go into the recycling bin. You can also find this list under the lid of your recycling bin.
- Do the 'sniff test'of your recycling bin! If your recyclables are clean and dry, there should be no bad smells.
- Check that items you buy are in recyclable (or sustainable) packaging. This includes clean paper, cardboard, aluminium and tin cans, and plastics 1,2 and 5. Recyclable plastics should have the plastic identification code with the numbers 1, 2 or 5 in the triangle, embossed near or on the bottom of the item.
- Look out for more opportunities to recycle items outside of the kerbside service. For example, soft plastics such as bread bags can't be recycled in the kerbside recycling, but some supermarkets have a soft plastics collection point.