Waikato locals can now recycle plastic and metal caps and lids at their local supermarket, thanks to a new partnership between Foodstuffs and The Packaging Forum’s Caps and Lids Recycling Scheme.
Collection points are now available at New World Te Rapa, PAK’nSAVE Mill Street, and PAK’nSAVE Te Awamutu, making it easier than ever for people to recycle while doing their shopping.
With caps and lids no longer accepted in kerbside recycling, Foodstuffs, the New Zealand-owned and operated co-operative behind New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square stores, has stepped in to help fill the gap.
“The beauty of this initiative is its simplicity. By placing collection points in busy, accessible supermarkets, we’re making it easy for customers to keep valuable materials out of landfill and in circulation,” said Debra Goulding, Sustainable Packaging Manager at Foodstuffs.
The scheme was launched in Waikato, with a special event at New World Te Rapa. Waikato has joined Auckland, Tauranga, Christchurch and Wellington in the nationwide programme, bringing the total number of participating Foodstuffs stores to 42.
Since its initial rollout in September last year, the scheme has already diverted around 11 tonnes of plastic and metal caps and lids from landfill.
Run by The Packaging Forum and supported by industry funding, the scheme ensures all collected materials are sorted and recycled correctly.
Malcolm Everts, Scheme Manager for the Packaging Forum Caps & Lids launch, said the programme is going from strength to strength.
“New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square stores are some of the most visited locations in the country. Their support enables thousands more Kiwis to access easy and effective recycling,” said Everts.
“In April alone, the scheme collected two tonnes of caps and lids from Foodstuffs stores, plus community recycling centres and zero waste network - proof that momentum is building.”
Next up, the scheme has its sights set on Dunedin, with work underway to ensure local infrastructure and partnerships are ready to support the rollout.
