Beginning in early 2023, the trial collected more than 4000 Tetra Pak cartons from drop-off points throughout the district.
The cartons were baled and sent to saveBOARD in Hamilton, a sustainable recycling and upcycling company using compression and heat to turn the cartons into wall board.
This meant that more than 300 kg of recyclable material became a long-life construction product instead of landfill.
"[These] cartons aren’t accepted as kerbside recycling, due to their composite nature of cardboard, plastic and aluminium," Clutha District Council waste education officer Scott Martin said.
"We were impressed with the uptake of the initiative, and even more astounded at the vigilance of consumers to prepare their cartons for drop off.
"[They] need to be cut and rinsed thoroughly in order to be accepted [and] the bale was 100% contamination free, which emphasises the desire in our communities to participate and recycle."
SaveBOARD has been converting composite packaging waste since December 2021 and their MBIE-approved plasterboard substitutes are available through selected building suppliers.
To join in and reduce waste in Clutha, participants should leave plastic lids on cartons as these glue and bind the board together during the heating process.
Cut along the top and side to open, thoroughly rinse, and deliver clean cartons for collection to Mt Cooee Landfill, Health 2000 or Café 55 in Balclutha, Tokomairiro Community Hub in Milton, Tahatika Coffee Traders in Owaka and The Lost Gypsy Gallery in Papatowai.
"It’s great to have a simple system in place for consumers.
"Knowing that our waste is being recycled within New Zealand for creating products available locally is an excellent driver for us," Mr Martin said.
