City’s recycling to be examined
High contamination rates in Porirua’s kerbside recycling has prompted an initiative that will see “recycling ambassadors” checking recycling bin contents before collection.
Due to a rising level of contaminated items in the recycling – costing between $6000 and $8000 a month to remove – the ambassadors will be checking what’s being put out for collection.
A month-long audit starts next week and will gather information and data to help identify specific areas where Porirua’s high contamination levels are and target our education and support for those residents.
Following the audit we will be introducing a 3-Strikes process. This means that if we find nonrecyclable or contaminated items in your bin, you’ll get a sticker – if you receive three stickers, you could lose your bin.
Similar initiatives are occurring in other cities, including Hamilton, Christchurch and Dunedin, with positive behaviour changes being experienced and less loads ending up in the landfill.
The recycling industry relies on good quality, clean recyclable material, says David Down, Porirua’s Manager Water and Waste.
“Material is hand-sorted before it goes through the machines and we’re regularly seeing hazardous items such as dirty nappies, sanitary items, broken glass and rotting meat.”
“This is something we all need to do better – sending recycling to the landfill costs the city and the environment, and has health and safety implications for staff collecting the bins and at the sorting facility,” he says.
“We can all play our part by checking what’s in and what’s out. Clean and rinse your glass, plastics and cans, and remember not to put in lids or soft plastics.
“If we work together we can make a positive difference.”
A recycling ambassador is currently in place at the Bulk Recycling Facility at Spicer Landfill, and now we have a high quality of materials being made available for recycling, Mr Down says.
More detailed information on the 3-Strikes process will be delivered to households following the audit.
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And the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero is...
A huge congratulations to mother and son duo, Mary and Sam Danielson from The Puketapu Hotel.
The votes for all finalists have been tallied and they have been chosen by Neighbourly members across the country as the Prospa Local Business Hero of 2024.
The Puketapu Hotel was nominated by a local called Margaret and the nomination reads:
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'
Such a deserving business and team, well done Mary and Sam. And thank you to all those who voted!
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