How to reduce waste and contribute to a sustainable future

Waste and recycling Household waste and recycling

What can I do to reduce waste?

There are some very simple steps that we can all take to reduce the environmental impact of our waste:

Reduce

• avoid single use , poorly made or "throw away" goods
• choose quality products with minimal packaging
• choose products with recyclable packaging or take the packaging back to the store where you bought the product
• buy NZ made products - you know they meet good environmental production standards
• choose products made from recycled materials
• buy long lasting kitchen utensils, household products, toys and clothing
• buy products which can be repaired rather than needing to be thrown away when they break
• reduce packaging by buying in bulk.

Reuse

•  join the Freecycle network or utilise a trading site to buy and sell used goods.
• buy a second-hand item - it will be cheaper and still do the job
• re-use containers such as glass jars for storage
• use your own bags and say "no" to plastic bags when shopping
• mend broken appliances and furniture whenever possible
• take old books, magazines and toys to hospitals, surgeries or schools
• take used items of clothing to op shops and local jumble sales
• Dispose of waste correctly
• Find companies that can recycle or reuse your unwanted materials through the ARC Recycling Directory.
• Ensure that any hazardous material is disposed of correctly - take it to the HazMobile or Waitakere Transfer Station.
• Use composts or work farms for reducing food and garden waste.

Waste and recycling initiatives and information

Freecycle - an Auckland-wide group covering the whole of the Auckland region where people 'give' their old/unwanted items to others who want them and old items are reused by the new owner instead of throwing it into the landfill.

Donate NZ - get rid of your unwanted stuff to a good home, support your local community and help save the environment! School education programmes - find out more about school sustainability education programmes.

Zero Waste - provides information on products made from recycled materials in New Zealand.

Local council kerbside recycling information There are 7 territorial councils in the Auckland region. You can find further information on their websites.