Recycling has big spin-offs

SET TO RECYCLE: Mayor Lyn Patterson (left) helps launch the Wairarapa Resource Centre Ready, Set Recycle programme by accepting the first work-place recycling bin from centre committee member Linda Kenny and training co-ordinator Trudie Jones. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

The gauntlet has been thrown down with Masterton mayor Lyn Patterson and her staff challenged to be the first to take on a new recycling programme aimed at helping train people for work.

With the help of Mrs Patterson, Wairarapa Resource Centre launched the new Ready, Set, Recycle Programme this week with a bin left at Masterton District Council for staff to fill with old clothes, shoes, books, crockery or anything that can be sold at the King St centre where people are trained for jobs.

Resource Centre co-ordinator Trudie Jones said the initiative was one way of acquiring new stock for the store but also supplied work for the trainees.

The 20 or so volunteers seeking skills to enter the workforce learn stock handling and customers service skills. At least 18 trainees have been placed in jobs in the past year.

They couldn't do this without the support of the community, Mrs Jones said.

"The purpose is to bring more stock into the business but in a way that involves other community organisations and is easy to access."

Specially designed wooden boxes will be placed at participating businesses which are collected monthly by trainees.

"This is a way to give back to the community and it's easy."

Mrs Patterson said council was prepared to "lead the charge" to help support the centre and its work with "recycling and up-cycling" for the volunteers.

With people recycling, it means less going to the landfill, she said.

"It's a win-win for everyone. It means less being trucked ... it's good.

"We should all be recycling."

If your business has a space for a bin or you would like to sponsor the programme, call Trudie on (06) 377 2090.