9 August 2006

New furnace may help North Island glass issues

Local Government New Zealand says a third furnace at the Owens-Illinois Glass recycling plant in Auckland should make a positive difference to glass recycling across the North Island.

The new furnace which could be operational in 18 months will have the capacity to increase glass recycling significantly.

“This is a very positive step and we commend OI Glass for recognising demand and taking steps to meet consumer needs,” says Local Government New Zealand environment spokesperson, David Walter.

“Unfortunately, although this initiative is good news for glass recycling in general, it will not address all of New Zealand’s glass problems. South Island councils and collectors may not be able to take advantage of this new furnace unless the price OI pays for glass increases. It is currently uneconomical to ship glass North for recycling.

“There is currently no single solution in sight to end national glass recycling issues and rid our communities of their glass mountains and stockpiles. However, Local Government New Zealand is committed to working with the glass sector and industry to find workable solutions for everyone involved in recycling glass,” said Mr Walter.

The Green Party’s Waste Minimisation Bill, is one opportunity to consider legislative options to deal with some of our problem wastes such as glass. Submissions on the Bill close in September and Local Government New Zealand is preparing a sector response.

There is still a long way to go to resolve the all issues associated with glass recycling. Industry, recycling operators, and central government all have key roles to play in finding long-term solutions to the problem.

ENDS

© Scoop Media