2 September 2020
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Disposable face masks
Enquiry
I am doing a story about the cost of disposable face masks and I was interested to see what cost it had on our environment.
- Have there been more disposable face masks turning up in our environment/waterways etc?
- Where are they showing up the most? ie drains, the seas, rivers, tree.
- For the standard disposable mask, how long would it take to decompose?
The story will not be about scaring people into not wearing masks. It will mainly be on the price but will include information on proper disposal.
Response
Reporter was informed Council has had no reports of masks ending up in the environment and does not have information about how long they take to decompose.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Media: Rotorua Weekender
Topic: Mountain Road rubbish/litter clean-up
Enquiry
Re Mountain Rd litter clean up - I'm just getting in touch as I had some comments emailed to me yesterday from Miss Rotorua contestant about the Mountain Rd litter clean up being held and mentioned you would be sending through an email from council - have I got that right?
Response
From Council's Waste Manager Prashant Praveen:
Members of the Miss Rotorua Foundation Trust approached Council with their plan to do a litter clean up, and we were happy to provide them with advice and resources to assist.
Council has provided the Miss Rotorua Foundation Trust with high-visibility vests, rubbish bags, gloves, a skip bin, and some volunteers from our contractor, Smart Environmental, will also assist with the clean up.
Most people dispose of rubbish responsibly and see value in caring for our local environment, but others underestimate the harm they cause to the environment by littering and dumping rubbish. This rubbish gets blown into streams and lakes, and builds up to create an unsightly mess.
Council is proud to support groups like the Miss Rotorua Foundation Trust and a number of other advocate groups who are dedicated to caring for the whenua by collecting litter or educating others on the importance of disposing of waste correctly.
