The Waitaki Resource Recovery Park is being used as one of the main models for a resource recovery park network in Auckland.
For the last two years, representatives from zero-waste consulting firm Envision have been visiting the community-owned enterprise run by the Waitaki Resource Recovery Trust and have recognised the broad benefits of a recycling hub.
Auckland Council has contracted Envision to design a network of resource recovery parks.
Waitaki resource recovery park manager Marian Shore said while mainstream recycling opportunities were available in Auckland, there was nothing similar to what the Waitaki community's park offered, such as drop-off areas and a shop where items could be resold.
''It's a compliment to what we're doing,'' Mrs Shore said.
Community centres acted as hubs that offered social benefits as a place where skills could be shared, Mrs Shore said.
Envision representatives looked at a variety of community organisations from around the country but Mrs Shore said Waitaki was one of the main models.
Last year 84% of all material entering the Waitaki Resource Recovery Park was diverted from landfill.
The Waitaki Resource Recovery Park accepts a full range of recyclable and resaleable items, which are sold in the ''Get Sorted'' shop.
