The discussion document Rebooting Recycling – What can Aotearoa do? has been released by WasteMINZ.  Eunomia worked with WasteMINZ and the recycling industry to develop the document.

Overview:

The collapse in international recycling markets has left the recycling sector in New Zealand in a vulnerable position. Without positive action to address the issue, recyclable material could be sent to landfill, councils and communities will suffer financially, and operators could go out of business. Action from the Government is needed.  There are some things that need to happen immediately, including:

– enabling access to funding,

– facilitating national communications, and

– obtaining better data on recyclable materials.

There are also some things that will take longer, but that will help build a more robust system and deliver a more circular economy.  These actions include:

– revising the national waste strategy,

– changes to the waste disposal levy,

– product stewardship and design,

– ongoing communications, and

– positive public procurement of recycled products.

While there is a lot to do, everything that has been set out in this discussion paper can be achieved using existing funding sources and legislation. The sector is engaged and willing to work positively with the Government to ensure our sector is thriving.

Finally, this crisis also represents an opportunity, the opportunity to build a new system that can deliver better outcomes for our communities, our environment, and our economy. Together we can reboot recycling and create a circular economy for Aotearoa.

To download a copy of the discussion document click the button below:

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