NEWS RELEASE September 21, 2001

Rubbish figures show big drop

Auckland City is winning its battle against the mounting rubbish problem and the new waste management plan is playing its part.

Figures just out show that the amount of waste taken to the city’s landfills is down 34.5 per cent in the first two months since smaller (120 litre) MGBs were used across the city.

A survey over July and August found that the amount of landfill waste dropped from 18,019 tonnes to 11,810 tonnes compared with the same two months last year.

The same survey found that Auckland City residents have taken to recycling - they recycled 77 per cent more glass, 57 per cent more plastics and around 4.8 per cent more cans.

Paper and cardboard recycling was up 23.8 per cent.

City Works Committee chair Cr Doug Astley says early indications show the smaller wheelie bins have encouraged recycling.

“We look forward to further positive results as more data is provided.”

A comprehensive report is expected on the agenda of the council’s City Works Committee meeting on October 3, including figures for green waste and details of coupon use for garden rubbish, which are part of the new waste management policy.

The council’s waste management policy objective is to achieve a 50 per cent reduction in waste by 2005.

For more information please contact Cr Doug Astley, chairperson, City Works Committee, telephone 620 4923.

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