How did you get into working with waste?
When I first came to New Zealand 23 years ago from Iran (Persia), lots of stuff that was reusable was just left on the side of the road. It made me ashamed. Three years ago I started collecting these items to raise money for our church.
What do you think about the council’s inorganic collection?
I was very disappointed when the inorganic collection from the council came into force because it put a stop to this. It was only later that I found the Community Recycling Network (CRN) advertised online where the reusable items were redistributed to charities. My friend and I were so excited!
We now go to the CRN and choose things for our new shop. This way is much better – the items are less damaged and this is a safer and cleaner way of doing things.
What’s the most rewarding aspect?
It’s good knowing we are raising money as well as stopping things from going to landfill and providing low cost items to the community. I want to say thank you to CRN and to council. We are hopefully going to grow and we are working towards employing people in the future.
What’s one thing you wish people knew about waste?
I’m disappointed that people don’t care about the environment. I wish they would care more about where their waste goes.
More information
The recycle Shalom Shop in Henderson fundraises for Jesus Revival Church and is open Monday to Sunday 9.30am to 6pm. For more information email jesus.revival.church@outlook.com
Auckland Council’s inorganic service collects items from your property boundary (meaning less mess on the streets) and provides reusable materials to charity groups and community recycling centres (reducing waste to landfill). This annual Auckland-wide service is rates-funded and free to book. You’ll receive a letter when the service is about to collect in your area. Find out more
