Waitangi Day, recycling at Waitangi

EcoSolutions have provided free recycling services at the Waitangi celebrations at Waitangi for the last 5 years. Last year we achieved 82% diversion of waste from landfill. We hope to achieve 95% this year with the help of a large team of volunteers, recycling ambassadors who help the public do the right thing. All stallholders now only stock compostable packaging for food and some drinks, some of which is plant based plastic, we also allow recyclable packaging for some drinks; event recycling can be confusing for the public as bio plastic is still very new to many people!!! Previously we have had the help of a large amount of volunteers, and a strong team from Eco Solutions to help the public become accustomed to the new bio packaging, and put their waste in the right place.

Unfortunately, this year we have had a major funding cut; without help we will no longer be able to pay our volunteers transport costs or feed them lunch to thank them for their hard hot work. We may also find less people are willing to volunteer without some help getting there, and food and drink while they are there. Due to the funding cuts we will only have two paid recycling coordinators onsite for the 150 stalls, plus the stage and waka zones; so we will be really depending on volunteers.

We also need funds to pay for the compostable packaging to be composted to save it from going to landfill, it would be a real shame to have such great eco packaging, yet waste a great resource by letting it go to landfill. Waipapa landscaping is willing to take our compostables at $30 a m3, and turn it into beautiful mulch in their hot compost, but we need help pay them their due!

We would really appreciate you support, and make sure all publications issued include an acknowledgement of public support of sustainable event recycling at our National event Waitangi Day.