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Construction and demolition waste accounts for 40 to 50 percent of New Zealand’s total waste going to landfills. Most of this dumping of construction waste is unnecessary. Research shows that at least half of waste could be diverted from landfills if it was sorted. The new Climate Action Campus Ōtautahi has teamed up with local […]
Construction and demolition waste accounts for 40 to 50 percent of New Zealand’s total waste going to landfills. Most of this dumping of construction waste is unnecessary. Research shows that at least half of waste could be diverted from landfills if it was sorted.
The new Climate Action Campus Ōtautahi has teamed up with local construction firms to tackle the issue. The Trash 2 Treasure scheme aims to keep leftover building materials out of landfills and allow perfectly good items to have a second life.
Spokesperson Vicki Buck, who set up the Campus, says the scheme started after a good chat about what happens to construction waste and insulation offcuts with Emma Williamson of Naylor Love. Vicki says that health and safety issues around entering building sites make it difficult for construction waste recycling outcomes.
In turn, a space was opened as part of the Climate Action Campus at the former site of Avonside Girls High, where companies can bring their reusable waste. “Emma has been awesome at leading this and getting it off the ground. She’d like for it to happen in many other parts of New Zealand as well.”
The Climate Action Campus is the first school of its kind in New Zealand. The satellite school of Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery sees students take climate action on issues such as water, food, and energy security. The school spans 15 acres, nearly five of which are part of Christchurch’s post-quake red zone. The collaborative Climate Action Campus is free for all primary and secondary schools.
“One of the things we teach at Campus is to minimise waste,” Vicki says. “We also have students doing woodwork creations by reusing wood, so they are loving it. We are easy for people to get to and have a regular opening time.
“We also have a small Climate Action Fund on Campus for students who wish to start their own social enterprise or business. We like for them to be able to see what’s out there that might be reused.”
Vicki says the scheme is expanding quickly. Wood, reinforcing mesh, doors, and furniture pieces are the most popular items. Vicki cites Naylor Love, Green Dog Insulation, Citycare Property, Southbase, and Rolleston Placemakers as some key firms that have come on board. More construction companies are looking to get involved.
Pick-ups from the site are currently available on Thursdays from 1-3pm, and it’s all free. Contact the Trash 2 Treasure team or talk to someone on-site if you wish to drop items off. For more information and the latest news on items available, visit the Climate Action Campus Ōtautahi Facebook page or feel free to email Vicki at vicki.buck@xtra.co.nz
