Case Studies
Standardisation of kerbside collections in Aotearoa - Implications for the food & grocery sector
In August 2020, a report prepared by WasteMINZ for the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) was released which provided recommendations to standardise domestic kerbside collections of waste to increase consistency, reduce confusion for householders, improve material quality and reduce residual rubbish to landfill.Very few would argue with these objectives. However, before the recommendations get implemented in full as part of the MfE’simplementation plan, it is important to consider the broader implications of a number of the proposals if they were to be implemented.
Snapshot of research
Mad World selected 76 products that are common household items and their packaging, and then reviewed the on pack labelling for information about recyclability. Some products utilise more than one material in the packaging.
The 76 products reviewed included 125 separate packaging items – most typically involving some sort of a closure (e.g. a cap or a lid).
53% have removable lids, caps or triggers, which will not be collected at kerbside whatever material, and whatever their size, under the new proposals which state that these items must be removed and placed in the rubbish. 36% use materials that are either not accepted or are deemed to be too small.
From the selected products, only one in three packaging units would be collected at kerbside.