New Auckland inorganics contract underway

The Auckland inorganic collections team kicked off its new seven-year contract with Auckland Council last week. It means our team will continue to collect all Tāmaki Makaurau’s inorganic waste, as we have done since 2015!

Some of our hardworking inorganics crew (second and third from the left), alongside Localised team members who will coordinate the redistribution of reusable items to community groups.

Under the new contract, reusable or recyclable items will now be taken to one of two zero waste hubs:

• Porana Rd, Wairau Valley
• Pilkington Road, Panmure

In the past, Waste Management has operated the Pilkington Road site, but the new contract sees it managed by Localised, part of the Zero Waste Network.

Around 25% of what is collected can be reused or recycled, usually items like furniture, toys, appliances, household goods, exercise equipment, e-waste and scrap metal. Our collection crews take these items back to Pilkington Rd or Porana Rd, where Localised sorts, cleans, and/or carries out minor repairs. The items are then distributed to community groups for a second lease on life or get sent to the recyclers. As the facility at Porana Road is new, last week there was a dawn blessing ceremony led by our Tumu-Tikanga (Cultural Advisor) Te Teira Rawiri and attended by Auckland Council, Localised and members of our team.

Representatives from Auckland Council, Waste Management and Localised attended the Porana Road blessing.

Each property in Auckland that pays its Auckland Council rates can book one inorganic collection per year, meaning our inorganic collections team of 30 (and growing!) is busy 48 weeks out of 52.

The change to keep inorganic waste within property boundaries has helped stop illegal dumping – often of material that is excluded from the inorganic collection such as general household rubbish, tyres, hazardous waste, gas cylinders and items over 55kg that can’t be safely lifted by two people. This means a more efficient, safer collection for our team, allowing community groups to benefit from recycled items faster.

An example of a collected toy that will be perfect for someone else to love.

Kia ora Auckland inorganic collections for helping our largest city recycle unwanted items. Another great display of our values Service and Sustainability in action. For more information and to book your collection visit the Auckland Council website.