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New Zealand generates a lot of waste. According to Ministry for the Environment (MfE) figures, each household sends around 700 kilograms of waste to landfill annually.
Despite our reputation as a clean and green country, we actually rank among the worst in waste production and recycling compared to other OECD nations, ranking 29 out 38 countries in terms of waste production, third highest generator of municipal waste, and second worst recycling nation in the OECD.
Unfortunately Kiwis have a predominantly “single-use throw-away culture” and the government is seeking ways to change it.
It’s policy for waste management is based on the “waste hierarchy”. This prioritises preventing waste first, followed by reusing, recycling, recovering energy, and finally, as a last resort, disposing of waste in landfills. It’s an approach we can apply in our daily lives to reduce the amount of waste we produce and contribute positively to our environment.
Here’s a breakdown of how we can manage different categories of household waste effectively:
Packaging waste
Packaging waste, especially plastics, is a major contributor to household rubbish in New Zealand. According to the MfE, 308,169 tonnes is generated annually, with only around 45,000 tonnes of this successfully recycled. It is a major environmental challenge, and the government is currently phasing out single use and hard-to-recycle plastics.
Reduction: Opt for minimal packaging by choosing loose products or bulk purchases. For example, buy cereals and grains from bulk bins using reusable containers, such as glass jars.
Recycling: Familiarise yourself with plastics recycling. Plastics marked 1, 2, and 5 are widely recyclable through council bins. Hard to recycle items can be dropped off at a Terracycle drop-off point. Check their site Terracycle.com for the one nearest you.
Additionally, selected supermarkets across the Coast offer soft plastics recycling bins for items like bread bags and food wraps. Check recycling.kiwi.nz for your nearest drop-off point.
Food waste
Food waste is another substantial concern, with New Zealand households disposing of approximately 229,022 tonnes annually, about half of which is avoidable. This is not just wasteful but also costly:
Planning: Reduce waste by planning meals carefully, shopping from a list, and storing food correctly to extend freshness. See page 17 for more information on meal food planning.
Composting: Start composting using simple solutions like Bokashi bins, which are great for indoor composting, or worm bins and community compost programs for those without garden space.
Clothing waste
Clothing waste is increasingly problematic, as fast fashion drives more textiles into landfills. According to Greenpeace NZ, around 180,000 tonnes of clothing and textile waste ends up in landfill annually, equivalent to 6429 shipping containers. However, simple choices can help reverse this trend:
Buying less: Invest in high-quality clothing that lasts longer, rather than purchasing disposable fashion items. Wear your clothes for longer.
Recycle: The Hibiscus Coast has a wealth of fantastic op shops so support a good cause and help keep textiles out of landfill.
Swaps and Repairs: Participate in local clothing swaps or attend repair workshops offered by community groups to give clothes a longer life.
Donations: When donating, ensure clothing is clean and in good condition so that it remains useful rather than becoming another form of waste. Many unsellable donated clothes are either sent to landfill or shipped off shore to the Pacific or Papua New Guinea.
Textiles such as sheets and towels can be donated to the SPCA or animal sanctuaries, but check first if they need them.
Paper waste
Paper waste, including newspapers, packaging, and junk mail, remains significant despite digital alternatives:
Reduction: Go digital whenever possible – opt for online newspapers, magazines, and billing.
Recycling: Utilise community recycling programmes, roadside collection, and recycling centres to ensure paper waste is effectively reused. Check with your local school if they can reuse good quality used paper for projects and drawing.
Domestic construction waste
Construction and demolition waste contributes significantly, making up 40 to 50 per cent of total waste sent to landfills in New Zealand. Practical solutions include:
Recycling and donations: Offer usable materials to local handymen, community repair shops, or post in community groups to repurpose construction leftovers. Plan carefully to ensure you don’t over buy materials.
E-Waste
Electronic waste, is rapidly growing due to increasing reliance on electronic devices. Improper disposal can cause significant environmental harm:
Proper disposal: Drop off unwanted or broken electronics at specialised e-waste collection points, such as the Whangaparāoa Community Recycling Centre.
Donations: Donate functional electronics to local community groups or schools rather than discarding them.
Hazardous household waste
Hazardous materials, including paint, chemicals, batteries, and pesticides, require careful disposal to prevent environmental contamination:
Safe disposal: Always use designated drop-off points, such as local recycling depots or scheduled hazardous waste collection days organised by the council.
Recycling resources
Whangaparāoa Community Recycling Centre, 637 Whangaparāoa Road, Stanmore Bay. Ōrewa Repair Café, Ōrewa Community Centre, first Saturday of the month. Bring your broken or damaged items and local volunteers will fix them for you for free. Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste hibiscuscoastzerowaste.co.nz
March 23, Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste’s Menders & Makerspace, Whangaparāoa Library, 10am-2pm. Learn how to mend or upcycle your old clothing. Free event. 16+.
