Environment Minister supports public recycling efforts in Taupō

Minister for the Environment, Nick Smith was in Taupō yesterday (31 May) for the re-launch of the Love NZ recycling bin project, which will see an additional 30 glass and plastic recycling bins placed in public spaces around the Taupō district.

Taupo District Council acquired funding of $66,000 from the Glass Packaging Forum through the Waste Minimisation Levy, an initiative of the Ministry for the Environment. The funding will pay for the supply and installation of an additional 30 Love NZ glass and plastic recycling bins in Taupō, Turangi and Mangakino.

The uniquely styled stainless steel bins are only for glass and plastic bottles and aluminium cans, so these items can be recycled. The bins are placed in busy pedestrian spaces alongside standard rubbish bins. Taupō was the first town in New Zealand to have public recycling bins, with the first 30 bins installed in 2009.

The Honourable Dr Nick Smith, Minister for the Environment, commended Taupō District Council’s proactive approach to recycling. “Taupō makes an outstanding contribution to recycling, and was one of the first places in New Zealand to adopt the home recycling [green] bins too. I can’t think of a better spot to have launched these bins.” Dr Smith says the Love NZ project is a good example of where central Government, local government and industry coming together for a common good. “New Zealand puts itself out there as 100% pure, so we must work together to protect our brand.”

Council’s Solid Waste and Stormwater Asset Manager Brent Aitken says the initiative extends the reach of traditional ‘green bin’ recycling to include public places. “Every year more than two million drinking bottles and containers are thrown away, and most of these will ultimately end up in the tip, so we want to minimize this. We recognise that many of these will be consumed on the move and in public places. The Love NZ bins ensure there are recycling opportunities everywhere you go.”

The Glass Packaging Forum represents industry leaders such as Coke a Cola and The Warehouse, who endorse the use of glass as a sustainable product, and promote recycling initiatives. Forum President John Webber says 22,000 visitors will come to the Waikato during RWC 2011 later this year, and a good majority of those will come to Taupō. “RWC 2011 was the catalyst to increase the funding for public recycling bins, but we want to create a legacy that will continue on for all New Zealanders.” He says that all 26 host towns and cities will have Love NZ bins in time for the Tournament.