Auckland Council has proposed daily challenges we can all make this Recycling Week.

Procurement Monday

Only purchase products that can be recycled, reused or repurposed, and consider buying in bulk.

Waste-free Tuesday

If your workplace recycling system could do with improving, encourage your colleagues to recycle correctly by providing them with bins for food scraps, recyclables and waste, and reconsider whether you really need to print that document.

Reusable Wednesday

Switch from single-use takeaway coffee cups and water bottles to reusable options, and if ordering takeaways, ask the restaurant to pack them into your own reusable containers. Buy cleaning products in small sachets that can be mixed with water in reusable spray bottles and buy soap in bars.

Clean Thursday

Dispose of food scraps in your new food scraps bin, and encourage your household and workplace to empty out containers and rinse and dry them before putting them into the recycling bin. Take lids off all bottles and containers before putting them in your rubbish bin. If you’re unsure what you can put in your recycling bin, read the rules here.

Reflection Friday

Brainstorm ideas and adopt the ones that appeal the most to you. Maybe set yourself a challenge to only buy second-hand clothes for a year, or repair broken items.

Consider how you can make celebrations low-waste events. Reuse wrapping paper, give experiences or acts of service rather than things, or spread the kaupapa (purpose) by gifting people items such as keep cups or drink bottles.

Spring Clean Weekend

Motivate your household by setting everyone a challenge to donate 10 items they no longer use or want to your local community recycling centre or op shop.

Auckland Council has 13 community recycling centres that accept a range of items. Check out here for locations, opening hours and a list of what they accept and what items (e.g. old tyres) incur a fee.

More here.

Image: Auckland Council