News Release
24 May 2001

Recycling Better Than Expected

Residents recycled approximately 600 tonnes of glass, plastic and cans – much more than expected – in the first month of household recycling in Manukau.

They also put 1,066 tonnes of paper out for collection.

Chairman of the Council's Environmental Management Committee, Councillor Noel Burnside, says between 90 and 95 per cent of households recycled in the three weeks after the launch of household recycling on 2 April.

“While this meant a few headaches and long days for the collectors, it was a fantastic start to recycling.

“Many more households than expected put out their bins and the quantity of material put out for collection was far greater than expected.”

Six weeks on, collectors are picking up recyclables from between 75 and 80 per cent of Manukau homes.

Councillor Burnside says the true participation rate is much higher. “It’s just that some households have got rid of the materials they had been saving up and now only need to put their bin out every second or third rubbish day.”

However, volumes continued to be higher than expected and an additional truck and crew has been brought into Manukau to handle them.

He says that with winter weather here, it is important that people pack their bins well. That meant squeezing plastic bottles flat and putting them on the bottom of the bin, with heavier materials on top.

“Squeezing plastic bottles stops them blowing out of the bins. It also means the collectors can fit more into their trucks.”

Paper should be tied in a bundle or put in a plastic bag so that it doesn’t blow away.

Ends

For more information contact:

Cr Noel Burnside
Phn: 278 5258

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