6 April, 2017

Hibiscus Community Zero Waste wins recycling depot contract

Auckland Council has awarded a 12-month contract to Hibiscus Community Zero Waste to run a trial at the Whangaparaoa Recycling Depot, located on 637 Whangaparaoa Road. The group will begin working at the site this week.

Initially, this social enterprise will continue to provide a similar range of recycling services. However, depending on the needs of the community, the site will eventually accept other goods and create career opportunities for locals.

A core goal of the centre will be educating and assisting the local community in reducing, recycling and repurposing their waste. As part of the overall Resource Recovery Network, their vision lies in reducing landfill waste and helping people from all walks of life make the best use of precious resources.

Albany Ward Councillor Wayne Walker says the focus in education will bring a range of benefits to the community.

“Sharing knowledge throughout the community plays a key role in preserving the environment and I’m eager to see what the centre will accomplish during this trial period.”

“There are a number of services that aren’t locally available, such as battery recycling, and it would be good to see some new initiatives that address these needs.”

Auckland Council will work closely with Hibiscus Community Zero Waste to assist them in developing new programmes and initiatives.

“Although the site is small, we are confident that Hibiscus Community Zero Waste’s commitment to the community and to the zero waste movement will be of great benefit to local residents,” says Ian Stupple, General Manager Waste Solutions for Auckland Council.

The centre will join four other community recycling centres in the Resource Recovery Network. Located in Waiuku, Helensville, Waitakere and Devonport, these centres are achieving impressive recycling rates and waste reduction goals while providing jobs, training and volunteer opportunities for their local communities.

For more information regarding the community recycling centres, visit the Auckland Council website.

About Hibiscus Zero Waste

Hibiscus Community Zero Waste is a consortium of two community groups; the Sustainable North Trust and the Community Business and Environment Centre.

The groups’ experience in waste reduction and environmental knowledge, with a history of running successful community enterprises, makes the group the ideal candidates to run and develop a productive community recycling centre.

About the Whangaparaoa Recycling Depot

The Depot is located on 637 Whangaparaoa Road and is currently open from 8am-6pmMonday to Sunday (closed on public holidays). They accept general recyclable items such as plastics, cans, cardboard and other commodities.

ENDS

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