Council into recycling plastics

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 387, 21 May 1991, Page 3

Council into recycling plastics

A plastics recycling scheme is to be started in Taumarunui with help from the Ruapehu District Council. The council decided to support the scheme, instigated by the New Zealand Dairy Co-opera-tive, providing weekly pick-up of plastics from schools in the Taumarunui area, Schools would be paid per kilogram of plastic collected through the scheme and the plastic is to be recycled through the manufacturer, Carter Holt. The council would benefit through the scheme with reduced volumes of rubbish to be collected and dumped, prolonging the life of the dumps. General manager Cliff Houston said plastic containers caused many problems at dumps. "There is no doubt plastics cost us money.

It doesn't flatten down easily when dumped, it never breaks down and a large amount of fill is needed to cover it," said the general rhanager. "Our gemeration has created /this plastics

problem - let's help the next generation become conscious of the responsibility to recycle their rubbish," said Cr Bill Peach. Financial support for the scheme from the

council did not receive unanimous support, with Cr Doug Bennett saying he was opposed to the council spending $4000 per year on it. Cr Margie Snow called for further investigations into other areas of possible recycling in the district. "The council needs to be seen to be in favour of recycling," said Cr Snow. "I see this as just a beginning." The scheme could be extended to the south if schools in this area were willing to take part.A