Media Release

23 September 2016

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New public recycling bins for lakeside reserves

Rotorua’s first public recycling bins were installed today at the lakefront.

The new bins will replace the rubbish-only bins in Rotorua’s lake reserves and inner city areas. Each bin has a general rubbish section as well as sections for recycling glass and plastic, paper and cardboard.

The wooden slat bins are a unique design which feature te reo Māori signage to indicate the types of waste - karāhe (glass), hangarua (recycling) and para (rubbish).

Rotorua Lakes Council Transport and Waste Solutions Director Stravros Michael says the bins will complement new kerbside collection services which will increase recycling in Rotorua.

“The changes to waste collection services in Rotorua are part of council’s new Waste Management Strategy that aims to reduce waste entering the landfill, increase recycling, cut costs and improve waste management services.,” he says.

“The new public recycling bins are colour coded to match the bins being delivered to homes. We want the public to easily identify where the different types of waste go to reduce contamination.”

The new bins unveiled today at the lakefront are part of a public bin replacement programme being undertaken by council’s new waste collection contractor Smart Environmental.

In addition to public recycling bins, Smart Environmental’s custom designed wheelie bin arrangements for general rubbish will replace the blue drums in sports fields and residential reserves around the district.

The designs allow the waste contractors to interchange bin sizes during peak summer periods to deal with extra waste.

The bins will be installed in two stages over a two year period with 24 public recycling bins expected to be installed at lakeside reserves by the end of November.

Rotorua Primary School students - Right to left - Rongo, Ariana, Alita, Niniurangi, Heiringatahi, Shania, Rewa

To help mark the installation of the first public recycling bins, at the lakefront, Rotorua Primary School’s Room 7 and 10 joined Rotorua Lakes Council and Smart Environmental in a small ceremony which included cutting a ribbon.

The students were able to spend some time learning about recycling and had a first-hand look at how the new waste trucks will empty their wheelie bins at home.

For more information about the new rubbish and recycling services visit rotorualakescouncil.nz/rubbish or contact a customer advisor on 0800 020 001.

ENDS

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