More than 1000 Ashburton properties being monitored for recycling contamination
More than 1000 properties throughout the Ashburton district were being monitored for recycling contamination as of the end of July with Ashburton District Council waste managers suggesting residents have had difficulty 'changing back their habits' following a loosening of recycling criteria during Covid-19.
Hundreds of properties were also on their second warning.
Council waste recovery manager Craig Goodwin said changes last year to the Christchurch's sorting facility's acceptance guidelines had also been a factor.
"We were faced with the challenge of not only changing back the behavior of the yellow bin but also changing back the behavior of what was acceptable recycling."
All recycling throughout the district was sent directly to the landfill for a six month period between April to the end of September 2020.
Goodwin said council staff had been working on educating the community about what was acceptable for the recycling bins.
Reporting by local democracy reporter Adam Burns
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
-
59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
-
26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
-
14.5% ... It is complicated
Poll: Do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? ☔⚠️
As reported in the Press, the same low-pressure system that lashed the North Island over the weekend is now making its way south, bringing heavy rain and strong winds with it. It’s a soggy start to the week for many of us.
With more wild weather on the cards, we’re curious: do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? Or are you more of a “grab the torches and hope for the best” household?
-
42.9% Yes - we like to be prepared
-
46.4% Nah
-
10.7% This is on my to-do list!
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Loading…
