Recycling Week a chance to rethink waste

Published on 16 October 2023

National Recycling Week runs from 16-20 October and Whanganui District Council is encouraging people across the community to think about ways to minimise waste.

Running since 2013, Recycling Week has been challenging businesses, schools, retailers, government departments, and the public to be more conscious of what we’re consuming and how it’s disposed of.

Leading up to the introduction of a kerbside recycling service in 2024, Recycling Week gives us a great opportunity to spread the message on how to recycle right, and why it is important.

The council’s chief executive, David Langford, says “Despite not having a council kerbside recycling service in place just yet, many people have shown their commitment to recycling, with regular visits to the Whanganui Resource Recovery Centre on Maria Place. This shows that we are a diligent community that really cares about the environment”.  

Sarah O’Hagan, general manager property and open spaces says, “Over the course of Recycling Week, the council will be sharing tips about not only recycling but waste minimisation in general, and running several competitions on social media”. 

As well as encouraging more sustainable practices in the community, the council is looking at its own practices too. Sarah O’Hagan says “We are investigating how the council can phase out the use of single-use products like paper towels and cups and looking at sustainable procurement practices across the organisation.  We recognise these are small steps, but we’ll continue to look at ways we can minimise waste and grow more sustainable as an organisation.”

As well as sharing tips, we’d like to hear your ideas. Keep an eye on the council’s Facebook page from 16-20 October – there will be competitions for individuals, with the chance to win boxes of fresh veges from Laugesen’s Gardens, and an opportunity for businesses to win a free sustainability audit from the Whanganui Sustainability Trust to identify opportunities to reduce waste and save money.

During Recycling Week, people will also have the chance to recycle their old mobile phones through the re:mobile scheme. Simply drop your old phone to the Whanganui District Council team at 101 Guyton Street – funds raised (through parts salvaged) will help support the Sustainable Coastlines coastal restoration project.

For more information about Recycling Week, visit reclaim.co.nz/recycling-week