Recycling

Recycle Wanaka Wastebusters has sent more than 1200 Charlie's Honest Water Eco-Bottles to the drinks manufacturer because it cannot recycle the plastic material they are made from.

Dunedin's recycling culture has come a long way in a short time, helped by the city's multimillion-dollar Green Island recycling plant, Mayor Dave Cull says.

The six-month trial of the electronic waste depot at Frankton Refuse Station has been extended by another six month, coinciding with a push for greater public awareness of the service.

A national recycling initiative launched in Dunedin ahead of last year's Rugby World Cup has proved a hit, and could even be expanded.

About 5500 households in Wanaka and surrounds will receive a new recycling crate this week as recycling contractor Smart Environmental Limited prepares to launch its service in the area from March 5.

The story of Dunedin's latest foray into city recycling makes dismal reading.

The largest toxic waste problem of the 21st century is failing to be arrested by Queenstown residents, with increasing numbers of residents choosing to dump their old electronics in the landfill rather than pay recycling fees.

A worker at Dunedin's recycling plant is facing a nervous six-month wait for blood test results after being pricked by a discarded syringe.

Glass recycling facilities for smaller Central Otago towns are on the way, just in time for the holiday rush.

Wanaka Wastebusters was dealt a serious blow by the Queenstown Lakes District Council yesterday, when the plug was pulled on its kerbside recycling contract in favour of Auckland-owned company Smart Environmental Ltd, which significantly undercut its competition.