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NPDC wishes you a Zero Waste Christmas

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PUBLISHED: 9 DEC 2022
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It’s easy to enjoy a merry Zero Waste Christmas this year with a few of these handy tips from NPDC.

Not surprisingly the volume of waste and recycling is up at this time of year. Last December the volume of recyclables was 31% higher than the monthly average, 12% for general waste and 7% for food scraps.

However, NPDC Resource recovery Manager Kimberley Hope says there are some simple ways to cut that back.

“For instance, use children’s artwork you’ve collected through the year for wrapping paper or get them to decorate sheets of paper to make their own.”

Foil wrapping paper can’t be recycled, so put that in your red-top bin while plastic wrapping can be recycled through your nearest Countdown supermarket.

You can also take trees with a trunk of 10 centimetres or less to a transfer station as green waste

People looking for unique gift, be sure to stop in at The Junction Zero Waste Hub on Colson Road in New Plymouth to see its range of upcycled and preloved goods for sale.
Find out more at thejunction.org.nz.

Other low-waste tips include:

  • If buying a real Christmas tree, check if the outlet will take it back afterward for mulching, or better still buy potted trees that can be reused
  • Make or bake your own Christmas tree decorations and presents.
  • Avoid using single-use plates and cutlery.
  • Give a voucher – a great low-waste way to support local business.
  • Green gifting – give a lovely houseplant, tree or seedlings.
  • Cut down on food waste by planning your Christmas menu so that you buy only what you need. Check out Love Food Hate Waste for tips.


NPDC’s kerbside recycling and rubbish service will continue on the usual days during Christmas and New Year, including public holidays.

Please do not fill your blue bin higher than the rim to reduce the risk of items falling out when crate is lifted. Take any extra glass bottles or jars to the transfer station for free or wait until your next collection. 


Fast facts:

  • New Plymouth District households recycle 5,300 tonnes from the kerbside each year.
  • Transfer stations receive 1,200T of recycling per year.
  • NPDC sends glass, paper, cardboard and plastics 1, 2 and 5 to New Zealand firms for recycling and reuse, while aluminium and steel cans are processed into new metal products overseas.
  • NPDC’s Recycling and Rubbish app shows what items can and can’t be recycled locally.
  • New Plymouth District has an aspirational vision of Zero Waste by 2040. Learn more at npdc.govt.nz/ZeroWaste.

Caption: Try making your own decorations or gifts and enjoy a zero waste Christmas.

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Page last updated: 07:10PM Sun 11 December 2022

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