The Waitaki Resource Recovery Park has recently installed a revolving sorting table with assistance from the Alexander McMillan Trust.
Marion Shore, who designed the table along with Apex Engineering after seeing a similar construction on Waiheke Island, said it allowed unsupervised staff to sort mixed recyclables "safely and much more efficiently".
Some of the park's workers would have difficulty finding placements in mainstream employment and are partially subsidised through agencies such as Workbridge, she said.
"Funding agencies that subsidise these workers at the park are being encouraged to have all subsidised workers on a 'fading' plan, which means they must be evolving towards a zero subsidy arrangement," she said.
The improved design of the table makes that proposition more likely.
"By having the mechanised sorting table operational, the increased efficiency and the negated need for supervision makes the viability of employing these staff with lower subsidies more practicable."
The innovation, which increases the efficiency of sorting cardboard, metals, plastic and paper by a factor of three, may mean slightly fewer volunteer hours are needed.
Mrs Shore added the new table provided suitable work for people completing community work through the Department of Corrections.
"By gaining external funding for this operation, there is no cost to the ratepayer for this development; the park is able to continue to provide the community with social benefit through employment and mentoring those marginalised by society."
