Zero Waste: Central Otago District Council

Location: Otago, South Island
Population: 15,000

Unspoilt wild areas - rocky landscapes, open plains, turbulent rivers and tall poplars are features of Central Otago.

Century old gold tailings are a visual reminder to never again accept uncontrolled environmental damage. Central Otago residents have taken up the challenge of wanting to be responsible waste managers, something that the goldminers never even considered.

Central Otago District Council adopted a Zero Waste policy in March 2000.

Central Otago Waste Busters are one of the trailblazers in a grass roots initiative in waste recycling and waste minimisation. Zero Waste New Zealand Trust funding has been the springboard to their success.

What is happening in Central Otago?

• Major towns now have kerbside recycling collections
• Drop off centres are being established in smaller communities
• A major recycling park has been developed with the assistance of Zero Waste New Zealand Trust funding
• New buildings, trucks, forklift and presses have all been purchased and already they struggle to process increased volumes of cardboard, metals, paper and plastics
• Valuable employment has been created
• Young people are learning life skills from enthusiastic volunteers.

Residents have forgotten the "dump it" philosophy and country tips no longer exist. Now you will see transfer stations and wheelie bins collecting rubbish. We are seeing the volumes of rubbish are declining in spite of burgeoning regional growth. Education and attitude change are creating a cleaner and sustainable Central Otago.

Come and see for yourself.