1020 days ago

City’s recycling to be examined

Porirua City Council

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.

Follow: Facebook / Twitter
Visit: poriruacity.govt.nz
Call: (04) 237 5089
Find out more

Image
More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.

Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.

Image
Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 64.5% Yes
    64.5% Complete
  • 33.2% No
    33.2% Complete
  • 2.4% Other - I'll share below
    2.4% Complete
2147 votes
5 days ago

Computer Repairs, Video Conversions

Brent from Camborne

Still actively helping the community:
My services:

Computer Repairs (Software/Hardware Issues ONLY)
VHS/Camcorder tape conversions to USB
Audio Cassette tape conversions to CD/USB
Basic Home network configurations
Printer assistance

Sorry, unable to do Imac/Macbook/Iphone/Ipad/Android Screen replacements
Also, Microsoft is ending Windows 10 mainstream support as of October next year. Please feel free to talk to me, as happy to help with upgrading/updating to Windows 11. The sooner this is able to be done, the better.
Please PM me and i'll be more than happy to help

23 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.

Image