MEDIA RELEASE
14 November 2006

Tenders called for recycling facility

Auckland took another step to reduce waste to landfill after Auckland and Manukau city councils endorsed the release of tender documents for a “build, own and operate” materials recovery facility (MRF).

The contract is based on a shared services partnership between the two councils following the signing of a memorandum of understanding to work on a review of waste collection and processing services in both cities.

Auckland City Works and Services Committee chairperson Councillor Neil Abel said with both councils’ collection contracts up for renewal in 2008, it provided an opportunity to consider a variety of options for the collection and processing of recyclable materials.

“The tendering process opened today for the building of a modern, purpose-designed materials recovery facility in the Auckland or Manukau city area. Recycling volumes are growing and this facility will maximise the recovery and recycling of resources from waste and reduce dependence on landfill,” Mr Abel said.

“It is the start of a quantum shift in the way we handle waste and we're pleased to be partnering with Manukau city in this process.”

Manukau City Council Environment and Urban Design Committee chairman Noel Burnside said the partnership is the first step towards providing the cleaner, safer recycling services that residents have been calling for.

“There is already considerable enthusiasm for recycling, so providing a more convenient service should further reduce the amount of rubbish that ends up in landfills.

“We have to get smarter about dealing with waste and this is a great step towards doing that,” Mr Burnside said.

The MRF is required to process the increased quantity of recyclable waste and will play a significant role in realising Auckland City’s goal of zero waste to landfill by 2015.

Tenders for the establishment of the materials recovery facility are invited from interested parties. Tender documents are released at 2pm today (14 November) and tenders close at 4pm, 14 February 2007.

Ends

© Scoop Media