Free recycling paying off in region

More people are using recycling facilities. Photo / File

Holidaymakers in the Bay of Plenty have been tidier this year than in the past, thanks in part to free recycling services.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council spokesperson Kim Rahiri said more people were using recycling facilities and there were less cases of illegal dumping.

"Staff are finding that people are changing their behaviour towards recycling as it is free to recycle in the district," she said.

"Council also had fewer cases of illegal dumping this holiday period than in previous years and there were no reports of dumping in Waihi Beach."

Gift giving and end-of-year drinks meant the council had an increased workload over the holidays, which was expected.

Ms Rahiri said the council extended operation hours over the period to cope with the extra people at popular holiday spots.

"The busiest time at the recycling centres are the days after Christmas and New Year when locals and holidaymakers clear their recycling," Ms Rahiri said. "Glass and cardboard volumes double over the holiday period."

A waste reduction expert says councils are doing their best to reduce landfill waste.

Envision managing director Matthew Luxton said regional councils had a difficult role.

"Councils do the best with what they're given and councils have to deal with the packaging manufacturers create.

"That's a hard position to be in, especially for smaller councils, and I'm in full support of the councils."

He said people should always remember the "waste hierarchy" - reduce, reuse, recycle.

"Think: 'Do you really need to buy this item or not?"'

People could also reduce waste by buying in bulk, which meant less packaging than individually-bought items.

"Recycling should not be the first option for people, it should be the last resort after reducing and reusing," Mr Luxton said.

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