Ceremony celebrates Recycling Centre upgrade and expansion

Rotorua District Council’s expanded Recycling Centre was officially opened to the public at a ceremony at the facility this morning [12 December], following a $930,000 four month upgrade programme.

Mayor Kevin Winters hosted the ceremony, attended by councillors and invited guests, while a steady stream of local residents continued with their regular recycling activities. RDC's director Kaupapa Maori, Mauriora Kingi, performed a karakia (prayer) and blessing at the ceremony.

Mayor Winters said he is delighted the upgrade was now complete.

“It’s been a really big journey for council to get to this point. Now we need Rotorua people to prove that our decision to go with an in-town facility is better than a kerbside collection. I’m confident they will.”

Work on the Te Ngae Rd facility has included doubling capacity, two additional recycling bays, enhanced traffic management, separation of operational and public areas, a larger facility for sale of second-hand goods with dedicated parking, a purpose-built e-waste facility, and improved signage. A wall at the recycling centre also boasts an impressive artwork by acclaimed local mural artist Marc Spijkerbosch.

Mayor Kevin Winters said Rotorua people are already some of the best recyclers in the country and the new expanded facilities will allow for future growth of recycling levels.