Libraries striving to reduce waste
Fendalton Library and Service Centre has
reduced the amount of rubbish it sends to landfill
each month by more than 70 per cent. On a
weekly basis, that’s a reduction from eight bags to
an average of two. Instead of throwing waste in the bin, staff now
sort their rubbish using a three-tiered trolley.
One tier is for reusable paper, one for recyclable
paper and one for reusable items such as plastic
tubes, folders and ring binders. Any reusable material is collected by Creative
Junk and distributed to creches, kindergartens
and primary schools. Reusable paper is made
into notepads. And instead of throwing food
waste in the rubbish bin, staff dispose of scraps in
an organic food-composting unit. The decrease is due to a trial waste
minimisation programme that’s been under way
at the library since September last year. The
programme was a success and is being brought in
at the Central Library. It is already running at
nine community libraries in the city. The Target Zero Waste Minimisation
Programme is a Christchurch City Council
initiative that works with Christchurch
businesses to save money and reduce
environmental impacts. The libraries set up a Target Zero team to look
at how waste could be reduced. A programme
was developed with help from a waste
minimisation expert and the Timaru District
Council which has a programme up and running. Target Zero team leader Lindsay Dell says the
success of the programme comes down to people
taking individual responsibility for their rubbish. Civic Offices follow libraries’ lead The scheme to cut the amount of waste going
to landfill is also making its way through the
Council’s Civic Offices in Tuam Street. Service Centre and the Timaru District Council,
the Zero Waste to Landfill philosophy and
practice is being introduced to nearly 800 staff in
the building. As at the libraries, there are no rubbish bins at
people’s desks (they have recycling trays for
paper and other interesting material that goes to
the Council’s creches) and bins for organic waste
are used. Kerbside recycling crates for glass and
aluminium are also used. The drop in the amount of waste to landfill is
expected to be similar to that in the libraries, but
with nearly 800 staff to introduce it to, it will be
a few months before a clear picture of savings is
obtained. |