The Target Zero scheme at the libraries and six service centres fits with a wider City Council goal of getting its own house in order and showing leadership in sustainable practices.

Libraries staff have halved their waste production, a saving estimated at 16,500 a year. Staff from the service centres did even better, averaging 60 per cent cut in waste to landfill. That is a reduction of 6.5 tonnes a year. In the cost of black rubbish bags alone, this will save $2500 a year.

Staff teams started by sorting rubbish to work out what it was made up of. They then looked at how each component might be reduced or recycled. The project showed four main areas where improvements could be made. First, all food waste is now collected and composted in Bokashi units which use a yeast-impregnated mix to help compost all types of food.

Second, mixed recyclables such as glass, aluminium and plastics are recycled using the free kerbside collection service.

Third, cardboard is collected at no charge by a commercial collector.

Fourth, all paper from the Libraries is reused by making it into note pads if only one side had been used, or otherwise recycled. Paper from the Service Centres is recycled through a commercial service provider.

• Target Zero tip: making paper uses more water per tonne than any other product. Are you doing your bit to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle? Check out the Target Zero website at www.ccc.govt.nz/targetzero