Zero Waste: Foam Recycling Media Release Apr 06

Zero Waste N Z Ltd and Vita New Zealand Ltd Foam Recycling Agents

Some of the best City and District Councils in New Zealand are diverting 60 -90% of their waste from landfill by sorting their waste and finding secondary markets for the various separate products.

Trials are underway to recycle and reuse plastic foam, rather than sending it to landfill. This new initiative gives Councils and others a chance to further reduce waste to landfill. A bonus is that this foam will be processed for reuse within New Zealand, and not shipped overseas as are many recyclables. In fact, every bit of foam collected will save on the current importation of raw materials.

It is critical to the recycling process that the foam be clean, and that it be free from metal - which most commonly will mean that it be free of staples! A sharp knife should be used to cut foam away from its frame, cutting inside the staple line.

 Official Collection Depots are being established at designated sites throughout the country; foam can be delivered to these depots rather than being taken to landfill. If the trial is successful, the foam will attract a small payment per kilogramme .

Vita NZ Ltd will periodically collect the foam from the depots, and transport it back to their processing plants for re-use, principally as carpet underlay. 

Currently, the majority of New Zealand Councils are committed to head for Zero Waste; this new opportunity is just another incremental step towards our goal.

Further detailed information will be available shortly. In the meantime, please contact Zero Waste if you require any further assistance.

Ph 09 447 1306 or 09 486 0736