EcoMatters Kiwi Bottle Drive

EcoMatters Kiwi Bottle Drive

JULY 22, 2017

Bottle deposit schemes (also known as container deposit schemes) are a simple, effective way to deal with plastic pollution, clean up our oceans and beaches and support our local communities.

It's a simple concept; you get a 10c refund on a bottle when you recycle it. We had a system like this in Aotearoa NZ until the 1980’s, and ‘bottle drives’ were popular fundraisers for groups like the Scouts. This stopped when ‘disposable’ plastic bottles were introduced.

Bottle deposit schemes are taking off worldwide as a way to keep plastic out of the environment - Australia will have them in all states by the end of 2018 and Germany has achieved a 98% recycling rate on plastic bottles.

EcoMatters Environment Trust is hosting a bottle drive as part of the national kiwi bottle drive campaign. Members of the public will get 10c back for recycling clean plastic and glass bottles, drink cans and cartons (tetrapaks) will be accepted. There is a limit of 50 containers per person and cash is distributed on a first in, first served basis.

"Bottle deposits would be great because before we know it there’ll be less plastic on our beaches, the local kids will be fundraising by collecting bottles, and we’ll have created new jobs”, says EcoMatters Waste Minimisation manager, Sarah Jane Murray.

The event will be held at EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Park, New Lynn on Saturday, July 22nd from 10am. The drive will go until 1pm time or the cash runs out so get in early. There is a limit of 50 drink containers per person. Clean plastic and glass bottles, drink cans and cartons (tetrapaks) will be accepted. The trust will have fruit smoothies, sweets and treats for sale and their community bike hub will be open as well.

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