Impact of changes to Christchurch kerbside

collection on amount and composition of materials

received for recycling

Ian “Whit” Whitehouse, Terranova

and Adrian Marsh, CCC Two

Summary – Christchurch kerbside collection change . . .

• Crate replaced by wheelie bin;

• 35% increase in amount of material;

• No change in composition;

• Contamination remains low (2%), though increased

Before After

45 litre crate 240 litre bin

Paper & card separate

Co-mingled

Plastics 1&2 All plastics

Weekly Fortnightly

Sorted on truck New MRF

Changes to Christchurch kerbside recycling collection

34 – 36% increase in amount received for recycling.

(comparing July & August 2009 with July & Aug 2008) for Christchurch City (including Lyttelton & Akaroa)

Composition unchanged

Before After

paper 47.7% 47.1%

glass 40.8% 40.6%

plastic 6.1% 5.7%

steel 4.0% 3.6%

aluminum 0.7% 0.8%

waste 0.6% 2.3%

paper

glass

Contamination low at 2%• Contamination remains low,

though increased from previous very low levels

• Mainly clothes & shoes• Also food waste, non-

supermarket plastic bags, electronic goods, (small) batteries, wood, plastic cabling . . . .

the unusual . . . a matchbox collection from waste audit

Comments

• Kerbside collection changes also included bins for rubbish & organics;

• Changes have significantly reduced amount of waste to landfill through Eco-Depots (transfer stations).