A new community recycling and reuse centre will soon open on Aotea – the sixth to open across Auckland, as part of Auckland Council’s Resource Recovery Network.
Envirokiwi Community Enterprise has been awarded the contract and will work closely with Aotea Contractors, who have secured the contract for roadside collection and landfill services on the island.
Envirokiwi Community Enterprise
Envirokiwi operators, Brett and Joanne O’Reilly, have established Envirokiwi Community Enterprise (ECE). Jo is currently contracted by Auckland Council as Aotea’s Wastewise Facilitator.
“The focus of ECE is to achieve a positive outcome for the environment and for the people of Aotea,” says Jo O’Reilly.
“Our mission is to support waste reduction for the good of our island and planet, and to provide services, a place to visit, and a place to work that we can all be proud of.”
Envirokiwi Community Enterprise is a not-for-profit organisation. All proceeds will be used to improve resource recovery services or be invested back into the local community. An advisory trust board will be appointed to guide financial and enterprise decision-making.
Waste services
Aotea Contractors will be delivering waste collection and landfill services on the island and have been working closely with Envirokiwi Community Enterprise to ensure they are able to provide an effective and efficient waste minimisation service.
“We’re grateful for the support of the community and other local enterprises, who have provided invaluable advice and support in the lead up to the hand over,” say Brett and Jo.
“Our special thanks go to Great Barrier Cartage, AoteaOra Trust, and Angela Wright for their contributions.”
The Community Recycling Centre (CRC) – recovering resources for community good
The new CRC is responsible for all recyclable and reusable goods once they reach the Claris Landfill site. ECE will operate the weighbridge to maximise diversion opportunities and then arrange transport of recyclable goods to receivers, whilst upcycling and selling reusable items. ECE will also support the local community through a range of education and engagement initiatives - running workshops, sharing information, and championing new ideas to further reduce waste to landfill.
What will be staying the same
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Recyclables will still be collected from the roadside yellow recycling crates. Paper and card collection is also unchanged.
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Most recyclable or reusable materials can still be dropped off for free at the Claris Landfill site. Only those items with a significant handling component will incur a charge. Information about gate fees for the CRC and landfill are available at govt.nz/transferstations.
What will be changing
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The Tip shop facility will move to the Claris Landfill site, where it will be given a new name. If you’re unsure whether something should go to landfill or the shop, weighbridge staff will be there to assist. The shop will operate limited services until resource consent is completed and retail and sorting facilities have been erected.
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There will no longer be a drop-off point at the Claris Landfill outside of opening hours. This will ensure all opportunities are realised to correctly sort and divert reusable and recyclable items from landfill.
If the community has any questions about the new CRC, they are welcome to contact Brett or Jo on 09 429 0809 or jo@envirokiwi.co.nz.
“Aotea Great Barrier Island Local Board is delighted that a community enterprise will be leading the charge on the island to zero waste,” says Chairperson, Izzy Fordham.
“It’s heartening to see that our collective waste minimisation efforts will help to create employment opportunities for locals and that the gains made from the community enterprise will be invested straight back into the local community.”
