ARG was formed in 2005 primarily to meet the recycling needs of the community where no rubbish or recycling collection services have been available. Traditional waste disposal practices have been to bury (in farm dumps) or burn rubbish. Nearest town/centre = 40kms away.

ARG have been providing Waste Education for last 12mths to the community through use of school newsletter and community bulletin. Including 'handy tips' to reduce waste like reusable containers for children's lunches etc.

ARG have conducted a community survey which highlighted the waste issues and provided opportunities to respond. 100% of survey's returned supported a proposed community recycling depot.

A pilot study has been running as part of the education programme. ARD have been working in conjunction with the school Board of Trustees and school principal. They are working to incorporate the Recycling Project into the student's lessons. This includes using the Environmental Education Guidelines document and the intention that students will make a community 'wash and squash' dvd. The Community are working towards the school becoming an Enviroschool. The aim is for the students to grow into 'caretaker' roles including monitoring the waste and recycling, lifecycle analysis etc. These actions are made all the more necessary given the new law (effective 1 Oct 06) that bans the use of school incinerators (which the school has been using). The old school bus shed is being converted into a small recycling depot with a converted sea freight container adjacent to the shed as an additional drop off receptacle.

Funding has kindly been provided from Zero Waste Trust, Environment Waikato and www.otodc.govt.nz/.

Matt Foulkes
40 Pukewhau Road
RD 7
Te Awamutu
3877
Tel: 07 872 4331
Fax: 07 872 4331
[email protected]