Finally, there is consensus on recycling, or almost. From today, recycling rules are set to change for much of New Zealand, with the previous Labour Government's standardisation of recycling coming into effect for all but a handful of district councils.
The new legislation will mean paper, glass, and specific types of plastic must be accepted in kerbside collection, and by 2030, that service will include food scraps and gardening organics.
The Ministry for the Environment maintains the recycling changes are expected to save 36,000 tonnes of waste from landfill every year.
However, with close to half of Aotearoa's plastics and paper shipped overseas, and subject to volatile market conditions, the Waste and Recycling industry says we have a long way to go.
Waste and Recycling Industry Forum co-ordinator Barney Irvine and Ministry for the Environment general manager of waste systems Shaun Lewis speak to Kathryn.
Photo: Supplied / Auckland Council
