As a Council we’re currently consulting on our Draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan. This plan provides the strategic direction for waste management in Christchurch for the next six years. Our vision is that Ōtautahi-Christchurch is a sustainable city, working towards zero waste and a circular economy.
We all need to do our part – Council, individuals, businesses and the industry – to reduce waste and look after the environment for future generations. It’s fantastic to see the initiatives underway at a national level, including Minister Sage’s announcement earlier this month on the proposal to phase out single use and problem plastics. I’d like to thank the Minister and the Ministry for their commitment to circular economy solutions at this national level.
The improvements to the Materials Recovery Facility, that this funding provides, will allow EcoCentral, and us as a Council, to demonstrate our commitment to a circular economy through the production of high-quality recycling products.
We are trying to sell our plastics and paper into crowded market places. Our local and overseas buyers are demanding product of gold-star standard or they will not buy from us. The new optical and mechanical sorting equipment that EcoCentral plans to invest in will help to work towards achieving the type of recyclable material that buyers require.