3 May 2005
Councils hopeful glass recycling can continue
“A resolution to glass recycling issues is needed urgently so councils can decide whether glass collection is still
feasible in their communities,” says Local Government New Zealand’s President Basil Morrison.
The local government sector is keen to see the outcomes of ongoing industry discussions on the best way forward for
glass recycling.
“We are disappointed that key players in the glass and recycling industries have been unable to agree on a resolution so
far,” said Mr Morrison.
Mr Morrison says that issues surrounding glass recycling have concerned councils since a decision late last year by ACI
Glass to reduce the price paid to their suppliers for recovered glass. This means many councils face difficult decisions
on how to manage costs associated with the ongoing collection of recyclables.
“We would like industry to play a greater part in the recovery of glass in New Zealand. This is a key element of the New
Zealand Packaging Accord 2004. We have asked the industry to help with a solution to continue glass recycling that is
cost-effective for councils.
“Excellent work has been done to educate people about the importance of recycling. Recycling programmes have been very
successful across the country. If we have to tell people now that they can no longer recycle glass in some areas, much
of that good work may be undone,” said Mr Morrison.
Key glass players and the Governing Board of the Packaging Accord are meeting later this week to discuss the matter
further.
ENDS