MEDIA RELEASE

Report highlights need for long term solutions to address waste issues

For immediate release on 10 October 2006

Local Government New Zealand’s President Basil Morrison says the Year Two report on the New Zealand Packaging Accord has once again highlighted the key role councils play in the packaging life cycle.

“For a number of years councils have identified waste and packaging issues as areas for change and improvement. Councils recognise the part they must play in the recovery and recycling of packaging waste and they also recognise the critical roles other sectors have as we consider the long term sustainability of New Zealand.”

“The last two years of the Accord have built a foundation for making some good progress towards long term solutions for waste and packaging issues over the remaining three years of the five year programme.

“Signatories to the Accord have spent considerable time over the past two years identifying gaps in information, data, and potential solutions – it is now time for action.”

Mr Morrison says councils are now looking for solutions and assistance to remedy waste management issues in their regions. This goes wider than recovery and recycling initiatives, problems need to be addressed throughout the packaging lifecycle including the production, use and recovery of packaging materials.

“There are a number of challenges in the year ahead including, the development of commercially viable uses for recovered material, improving packaging design to reduce consumer waste, and the key for councils will be some visible progress towards a long term solution for recovered glass. Councils will be measuring the success of the Accord on the contribution it makes to their waste management programmes.”

Year Three of the Accord is expected to see continued growth in the involvement of councils within the Accord’s initiatives. As a signatory to the New Zealand Packaging Accord, Local Government New Zealand continues to be committed to finding workable solutions to minimise packaging waste.

ENDS

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