A decision by The Packaging Forum to extend its kerbside soft plastics collection trial in Nelson is welcome news, says Nelson Mayor Nick Smith.

“This is the first industry-funded trial of kerbside collections of soft plastics in New Zealand and I’m delighted The Packaging Forum has decided to keep it going. It means 1000 households will continue to receive this kerbside service and about 100,000 plastic bags and wrappers will be collected and recycled each month.

“The Packaging Forum has agreed to extend this trial due to Nelson City Council’s positive decision at its May meeting to investigate adding soft plastics to its existing kerbside collections of material for recycling. This extended trial will run until the end of 2025 and involve the same 1000 households. The collections will be changed from fortnightly to monthly, in line with public feedback, and be on Fridays. Participants will also be notified by The Packaging Forum,” Mayor Nick says.

Supported by Council, the trial started in October for an initial six-month period. Participants put their soft plastics into specially produced orange bags, which were then left in their blue glass crates for collection.

“The trial has been a success with more than 600,000 plastic bags/wrappers collected and recycled during the six months – equal to 100 bags/wrappers per household per month.

“The Packaging Forum has received feedback from 74% of participating households, with overwhelming support for continuing the trial while 98% of respondents expressed interest in an additional trial to test collection in the Council collection bin.

“This is a welcome announcement as one of the greatest challenges with recycling schemes is bringing about change in household behaviour and getting people into the habit of recycling. My thanks to The Packaging Forum for continuing this trial and the participating households for supporting it so strongly. I look forward to Council officers engaging with The Packaging Forum on the possible continuation or expansion of this programme,” Mayor Nick says.

Soft plastics kerbside collection schedule for 2025:

Friday, 27 June
Friday, 25 July
Friday, 22 August
Friday, 19 September
Friday, 17 October
Friday, 14 November
Friday, 12 December

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