Accord Annual Report 2008

The development of waste minimisation policy has continued to be a key focus for central government in Year Four. The Waste Minimisation Act was passed in September. The Act will provide numerous tools to reduce waste to landfill and incentivise diversion of waste from landfill, and resource recovery. One of these tools is the ability for product stewardship schemes to seek accreditation. This will provide businesses with the opportunity to be assessed and recognised for the positive environmental outcomes that they achieve.

The ‘Recycling in Public Places Initiative’ got off to a good start with Far North, Wellington, Kaikoura and Christchurch piloting the programme. Subsequently Waikato and Queenstown Lakes have become involved in the programme. More than 200 bins have been installed, all with the distinctive LoveNZ brand. The pilot has provided learning for councils and the Ministry for the Environment on process and procedures for setting up public recycling facilities and their promotion. There has also been an evaluation programme and the start of a 12-month material auditing programme of the four pilot locations. Information from these programmes will inform the review of the initiative along with information from public surveys and council reports.

Several tourism-focused businesses have also contributed to the growth of the LoveNZ network through the rebranding of their recycling facilities. The Ministry encourages this participation, both through rebranding and through partnerships with councils to establish further bins in strategic public places. The next phase will see the establishment of another 210 bins.

The government launched guidelines for the procurement of paper, timber and wood products, travel and light fittings. These guidelines assist government departments in improving their sustainable procurement practices. Further guidelines on textiles, ICT, cleaning products and buildings are to be developed.

The Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry for the Environment have also jointly developed an online directory to help consumers and suppliers understand ecolabels on products.

The Ministry for the Environment has continued to work with government agencies to raise awareness and encourage recovery and sustainable procurement throughout the public sector through the Govt³ programme.

The Ministry for the Environment has supported Plastics New Zealand in the development of industry guidelines for the proper use and labelling of degradable plastics.

The Minister, Acting Minister and Associate Minister for the Environment have regularly been in contact with the packaging industry. For example:

The Acting Minister for the Environment addressed attendees of the Environmental Packaging Awards.
The Minister for the Environment launched the Glass Packaging Forum’s glass crusher. Subsequently, the Minister presented awards to school children who created raps to name the glass crusher and highlight the issue of glass recycling.
The Minister also spoke at the Packaging Accord’s seminar in April 2008.
The Associate Minister for the Environment presented awards to school children who created monsters in CANZBAC’s Hanable the Canable competition.

Central government has continued to partner with Accord parties to support the ongoing implementation and progress of the New Zealand Packaging Accord 2004.

Key areas of activity ahead include continuing development of the ‘Recycling in Public Places Initiative’, continued procurement guidance development and ongoing waste policy work and implementation, with effort on the latter set to increase dramatically now the Waste Minimisation Act has been passed.

Case Study of the Recycling in Public Places Initiative

The Recycling in Public Places Initiative is a partnership between central and local government to establish a network of easily recognisable recycling bins in high foot-traffic and tourist locations across New Zealand. The initiative was allocated $4.6 million over three years to June 2010. This seed funding aims to install at least 600 Love NZ branded public recycling bins, with the aim for the network to continue to operate and grow past June 2010.

The initiative is a part of the government’s commitment to make New Zealand a sustainable nation by providing New Zealanders and overseas visitors the option to recycle while they are out and about.

In the pilot year, recycling facilities were set up in Wellington, Christchurch, Kaikoura, the Far North, Wanaka, Arrowtown, Taupo and Raglan. The Year Two funding round application process has been completed. The Ministry for the Environment is now working with the twelve successful applicants (representing 18 councils) to negotiate funding deeds. This year (to 30 June 2009) will see Love NZ branded recycling facilities introduced across the Auckland region, Coromandel Peninsula, Tauranga, Gisborne, Otorohanga, Wanganui, Tasman, West Coast (including Buller, Westland and South Westland) and Invercargill Further facilities will also be installed at the Wellington Stadium and Queenstown International airport.

The Recycling in Public Places Initiative enjoys increasing support from local government, business and the tourist sector, and positive feedback from members of the public using the bins.

Businesses that provide recycling facilities for their customers are able to use the LoveNZ brand and are encouraged to expand, or work with councils to expand the provision of recycling bins in public and tourist areas. Currently we have agreements with YHA, Holiday Parks Association, Tourism Holdings Limited and Able Tasman Water Taxis, with several companies working with councils in specific areas.

The third and final funding round for the initiative will be run during March/April 2009.

Click here to view the 2008 Annual Report [1,186KB pdf].


	PACKAGING COUNCIL OF NEW ZEALAND ACTING AS THE NZ PACKAGING ACCORD SECRETARIAT 77 Greenmount Drive, East Tamaki, Manukau PO Box 58899, Greenmount, Auckland PHONE: 09 271 4044, FAX: 09 271 4041