Wellingtonians can now conveniently recycle plastic, metal caps, and lids while shopping.
With curbside recycling no longer accepting caps and lids, Foodstuffs has partnered with the Packaging Forum to support this nationwide recycling initiative.
Collection points are now available in 11 New World and PAK’nSAVE supermarkets across the region, making it easier for shoppers to do their bit for the environment.
The busy, accessible locations of supermarkets mean thousands of Wellingtonians can participate in the programme as part of their everyday routine.
The scheme officially launched in Wellington with a special event at PAK’nSAVE Lower Hutt.
Since its initial launch in September last year, the Caps and Lids Recycling Scheme has already diverted approximately four tonnes of plastic and metal caps and lids from landfills.
The expansion into Wellington marked another milestone, with the capital joining Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch, bringing the number of drop-off points to almost 50 across New Zealand, with 30 of the sites being Foodstuffs supermarkets.
“We’re proud to be both a foundation partner and a delivery partner for this important new recycling initiative. As a 100 percent New Zealand-owned and operated co-operative of local grocers, we take our responsibility to the environment seriously,” said Debra Goulding, Sustainable Packaging Manager at Foodstuffs.
“By making it easy for our customers to recycle their caps and lids at New World and PAK’nSAVE stores, we’re ensuring valuable packaging materials stay in circulation rather than ending up in landfills.”
With financial support from Pams and a commitment from store owners to manage collection points, Goulding said they were helping drive real change.
“It takes a village to make a difference, and the support of our partners across the collection, transport, and recycling network has been instrumental to the success of the programme.”
The scheme is an industry-funded initiative operated by The Packaging Forum, designed to ensure caps and lids are collected, processed, and given a second life as new products.
Community enterprise Earthlink, based in Lower Hutt, will collect the recycling boxes from participating stores and community hubs for transport to processing partners.
Metal caps will be sent to New Zealand-based recyclers such as Hayes Metals and Simms Metals. PACT Recycling will process plastic caps in Auckland before sending them to Australia for final recycling into new products like wheelie bins and plant pots.
Rob Langford, CEO of The Packaging Forum, highlighted the significance of Foodstuffs’ involvement. He said the goal was to ensure that by June 2025, 80 percent of New Zealanders had access to a participating collection site within 20km of their work or home.
“New World and PAK’nSAVE supermarkets are some of the most visited locations in New Zealand, and their support for this scheme means more people than ever have access to convenient recycling options,” said Langford.
“Expanding the collection network to Wellington is a big step forward in ensuring these materials are properly recycled.”
The programme has been looking to expand to Hamilton and Dunedin in April, with work underway to ensure the infrastructure and partners are in place to support the initiative.
