28/07/2005

Dumping in an informed way

Otorohanga District Council is not wasting any time manufacturing waste reduction information wheels residents expected to see the finished product by the end of the year.
Aimed to educate people about the various steps of waste reduction, the information wheel will identify local options including minimisation, re-use,: recycling, disposal and processing services.
The wheel will provide options for various types of household and 'light' agricultural, commercial and industrial wastes.
Council believes a compact, easily stored and readily accessible educational resource would contribute positively to reducing waste and unsatisfactory waste practises.
Engineering services manager Dave Clibbery said he believed it would also help the district achieve its zero waste goal.
"'It was felt that to make further progress towards council's zero waste objectives and other environmental targets it was essential that residents are thoroughly aware of the services and methods available to effectively manage different types of common waste materials in an environmentally responsible manner. The information wheel is intended to make information on these waste management services or methods readily available," said Mr Clibbery.
There is also potential for the project to involve neighbouring local authorities that have similar solid waste services in place.
It is hoped that the information wheels will be distributed to all households and businesses.
"It is likely they will be posted out with other council correspondence to reduce distribution costs," said Mr Clibbery.
Council was granted $6500 from Environment Waikato for the project earlier this month.

Otorohanga heads towards zero Waste

The Otorohanga District Council is aiming to minimise and eventually eliminate waste with its Zero Waste strategy.
Adopted by various councils throughout the country, the Zero Waste strategy uses mechanisms such as education, waste reduction initiatives, increased recycling and reuse of waste opportunities.
While there are costs associated with some of the initiatives, the potential gains by reducing haulage and refuse disposal costs to landfill are significant.
There are also obvious environmental benefits, with New Zealanders currently disposing of 3.4 million tonnes of waste into landfills every year.
Since adopting the strategy Otorohanga District Council has constructed recycling centre Recycle junktion and made minor improvements to a centre in Kawhia. They have also enhanced kerbside recycling options and increased educational aids including flyers for kerbside collection. The proposed waste reduction information wheel is another step in educating the public on this strategy.