Kerbside recycling starts in Waiouru

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 500, 24 August 1993, Page 5

Kerbside recycling starts in Waiouru

Kerb-side recycling collections start today in the Army Training Group , (ATG) housing area in Waiouru. Each Defence-owned house has been provided with a 'kiwi' bin made fforn recycled plastic and a colourful leaflet explaining how and why they should recycle. Waiouru is unique in that it is the first rural district and only Army camp to provide such a service to its residents. For the past two years ATG has made a conscientious effort to recycle its waste. The recycling project was established in an effort to divert the enormous amount of waste plastic generated in Waiouru firom being discarded at the rubbish dump. As the project has developed the variety of waste being recycled has increased to include glass, paper, cardboard and aluminium cans. Until now, the camp and housing areas have been asked to drop off their recyclables at the collection points provided at the community centre and rubbish tip, or take them directly to the recycling depot. "There has been an enthusiastic response from both camp and housing tenants and the introduction of kerb-side recycling is simply a reflection of how pleased we are with the success of the project," remarked Recycling Co-ordinator

Marion Dimond. "In fact, I was plagued with tenants asking me when the bins would be delivered so I am pleased it is finally up and running." There are no plans to remove the bins at the community centre or rubbish tip now that kerbside recycling is in place. "I am sure that those who have missed the collection day or have an excess amount of recyclables will still use the bins" said Ms Dimond. "However, the local agent for ACI Glass has announced that he will be providing three of the official ACI glass collection bins for Waiouru and we will possibly up-grade the two collection points in the near future." Along with the new green 'kiwibin' for recyclables each household also received a guide to recycling, indicating which items may or may not be placed in the bin. Favoured recyclables include glass beer, wine and juice bottles and jam jars, fruit and vegetable tins, aluminium cans and various forms of plastic including: PVC detergent bottles; LDPE - bread, shopping and freezer bags; HDPE - icecream tubs, milk

containers, PET - softdrink containers, marmite jars. Some plastics and glass have been excluded. Items such as disposable razors, plastic labels and polystyrene are already in their 5th to 7th round of recycling and therefore have a limited recycling life. Glass items like window panes and lightbulbs, among others, have also been excluded.

Paper and card will also be collected if flattened and placed under the green recycling bin on collection day. The recycling effort is part of a region-wide push for the 3R's - reduce, revise, recycle and is being co-ordinated in Waiouru by the Property Management Company of the 4th Logistics Regiment at the Army Training Group.