We are thrilled with how the new recycling area looks and are already seeing the benefits, with less contamination and better grade separation.

In association with this, several other new initiatives at Hakaru Re:Sort are now operational. We heard there was a need for an on-site shop to sell reusable goods that would have otherwise ended up in landfills, so we have implemented a small resale shop with a vision to expand it in the near future. We know a second-chance shop for items too good to throw away is a big improvement; it's always mind-blowing what people throw out!

Additionally, we have implemented additional capacity for green waste and on-site glass bunkers with the support of a $30,000 grant from the Glass Packaging Forum. This allows our teams to store larger quantities of glass on-site, leading to carbon reducing transport efficiencies and safer handling.

Furthermore, the site now has an added focus on diverting construction and demolition waste from landfills through Northland Waste's Re:Fuel Your Wood Waste Scheme. We have implemented a new wood waste bin on-site for the public, and our teams now separate as much wood waste from local builders' skips as possible at the site. Wood waste from Hakaru is carted to Puwera, chipped and reused as an alternative fuel source in concrete production. This initiative has improved CO2 emissions, serving as a bio-friendly fuel alternative to burning coal.

We are very pleased to implement these changes for the Mangawhai community and thank our site partner Kaipara District Council for supporting us in improving and upgrading these local facilities for a more sustainable future.