Initiatives to divert waste from landfill are paying dividends for the environment at Central Otago District Council (CODC) transfer stations, thanks to the way people have embraced the opportunity to recycle key items, such as electronic waste, and household batteries.
E-waste
In February this year, the e-waste recycling service was introduced at the Alexandra, Cromwell, Ranfurly, and Roxburgh transfer stations and so far, has seen 360 items of electronic waste diverted, ranging from TVs and laptops to household appliances and gaming consoles. This initiative has seen 2.5 tonnes of potentially harmful electronic materials being responsibly processed and recycled, contributing to a more sustainable environment, CODC Waste Minimisation officer Abi Hawkins said.
"We are pleased to offer a practical solution for our residents to recycle electronic items. Providing a sustainable way to manage electronic waste aligns with our commitment to reducing landfill use and promoting a better use of resources.”
Battery recycling
On Boxing Day 2023, household battery recycling was introduced and has so far sent 381 kilograms for recycling. The success of this scheme, which accepts single use and rechargeable batteries of a variety of different chemistries, was particularly important as batteries are a common cause of fires in both collection trucks and landfills, CODC Solid Waste Team Leader Lauren Hunter said.
“There are concerns about the number of batteries and battery-containing single-use items, such as vapes, in loads going to landfill. The concern is that these items, particularly lithium-ion batteries, can cause fires within the landfill which can be difficult to extinguish. It’s really good to see Central Otago residents using our recycling service to ensure proper handling of end-of-life batteries.”
To make all these recycling services more accessible, the Council initially launched a six-month trial, which covered transportation costs for electronic waste recycling and fully subsidised the battery recycling costs. This trial will be extended until 30 June 2025, continuing to reduce costs for residents, thanks to support from the Waste Levy Funds provided by the Ministry for the Environment.
“We are really proud of these achievements and the way people have embraced these opportunities. We encourage residents to continue using the available services to contribute to a more sustainable future,” Miss Hunter said.
