A conversation around waste minimisation

Sending less waste to landfill will take a community effort, and there is great work already happening.

Hurunui District Council’s (HDC) Waste Officer Nicole Hurinui is keen to connect with the District’s local businesses as a step towards achieving this.

“We are keen to hear new ideas from businesses about what they’re doing to keep contamination and waste volumes down. As a Council we can provide advice, tips, and assist with waste reduction where needed. It’s about starting a conversation.”

Recently, Nicole had a chat with the owners of Cheviot Four Square Steve and Ginny Allison. When it comes to waste, they are a tough act to follow.

The team recycles its dry cardboard and food scraps are collected by a local accredited pig farmer. Their recycling is placed in banana boxes or clean cardboard cartons and taken directly to the transfer station in Cheviot.

“Steve and I want to make sure we are doing the best job that we can for the community and the environment,” said Ginny.

They firmly believe that if you aren’t progressing as a business, you become stagnant and fall behind. Reducing waste is no exception.

“I think it is great what Nicole is doing. As a business, we can always be improving in this area. With Nicole acting as a go-between, we can take on her feedback and learn from each other.”

HDC’s transfer stations offer various options for recycling, and the staff have great relationships with locals who are looking to maximise waste reduction.

Nicole is keen to continue these chats with other local businesses.

“It’s a really positive way to engage with the business community and create a flow-on effect to supporters and consumers about the importance of waste reduction,” said Nicole.

If you would like to get in touch with Nicole, please email recycling@hurunui.govt.nz, or ring 03 3148 816 and ask to speak to her.