New trial will turn waste into building products

A new waste minimisation trial is underway for Clutha District, diverting waste from landfill and turning it into building materials.

Waste Minimisation Officer, Laura Gourley says “The trial allows people to recycle their liquid paper board cartons, commonly referred to as tetra pak. These are often used to package things like soy milk, juice and liquid stock. This packaging is a composite of cardboard, plastic and aluminium which has previously been sent to landfill.”

The initiative will divert these products from the waste stream and see them sent to Hamilton where they’ll be recycled into a plasterboard substitute that can be used in construction.

“Initiatives like this are helping New Zealand to build a more circular economy, turning composite packaging waste into low carbon products that re-enter the local supply chain, eliminating future waste.”

The trial is based in Balclutha, but people from other parts of the Clutha District can use it too. Packaging can be dropped off at Mt Cooee Landfill and at three Balclutha businesses that have volunteered to be part of the trial - Café 55, the Gate, and Le Bocal.

“It’s fantastic to see businesses eager to be part of this trial and I’d love to see the community get behind it too.”

“To ensure products can be recycled, it is important that people clean and cut open packaging so it’s flat and ready for recycling. It’s also important to remember that this packaging can only be recycled at drop off points, it can’t go into people’s yellow-lidded wheelie bins.”

Results of the trial and demand for the service will be considered before a decision is made about whether this is made permanent or expanded to other parts of the district. This will be considered in November 2023.

This trial is being funded through waste levy funding.