The Reality Of Plastic Recycling In New Zealand

New Zealand's recycling rates are low compared to other countries, with a recent assessment revealing that around 57% of the country's packaging is not recycled. Kiwis consume about 735,000 tonnes of packaging annually, with only 58% recycled. While some recycling is done in New Zealand, much of it is sent to Asia and Australia, with plastic, paper, and metal exported for re-manufacturing. New Zealand's recycling infrastructure is improving, and the government is investing in better practices, but confusion remains about which plastics can be recycled, and the process itself can be complex and costly.

Plastic waste in NZ landfills

Plastic waste is a significant issue in New Zealand, with a large amount ending up in landfills. While the country has a strong philosophy of "reduce, reuse, and recycle", the reality is that Brazil and New Zealand are the worst countries for practical recycling rates, with around 57% of packaging not being recycled. This is due to a variety of factors, including the lack of standardisation in waste data collection and the challenges of recycling certain types of plastics.

According to the Packaging Council of NZ, New Zealanders consume about 735,000 tonnes of packaging every year and recycle only about 58% of it. This means that around 352,000 tonnes of packaging waste end up in landfills annually. When it comes to plastic specifically, it accounts for approximately 8% of New Zealand's waste by weight, but due to its lightweight nature, it is estimated to take up 20% of landfill space. This equates to approximately 252,000 tonnes of plastic waste disposed of in NZ landfills each year.

The majority of plastics going into landfills are consumer-based products that are not recycled or cannot be recycled. Single-use plastic packaging is a key contributor to plastic waste in New Zealand. Soft plastic packaging, for example, contributed 9.1% of litter in the 2019 National Litter Audit. Additionally, food packaging made of plastic or mixed materials accounted for 13.3% of litter, and plastic drinks packaging made up 5.8%.

To address the issue of plastic waste in landfills, New Zealand has taken several initiatives. The government is investing in recycling infrastructure and phasing out hard-to-recycle plastics and single-use plastic items. Auckland Council has adopted a zero-waste policy, aiming to achieve zero-waste status by 2040, and other councils across the country are following suit. Plastics NZ promotes efficient manufacturing products to minimise production waste and encourages environmentally responsible manufacturing. They have also set up a database to allow manufacturers to exchange manufacturing waste and improve its utilisation.

Plastic recycling rates

The country's recycling infrastructure and standards vary across local councils, leading to confusion about what can be recycled and contributing to low recycling rates. Some councils have adopted a zero-waste policy and are working to improve recycling education and infrastructure. However, the lack of standardised waste data collection methods across the country makes it challenging to accurately assess plastic recycling rates and implement effective solutions.

New Zealand recycles three types of plastic (1, 2, and 5), which are widely accepted for recycling and can be processed into new products. However, these plastics can only be recycled a limited number of times before losing quality. Other types of plastic (3, 4, 6, and 7) are more challenging to recycle and often end up in landfills. Plastic packaging, especially single-use items, contributes significantly to waste, with food packaging and drinks packaging accounting for 13.3% and 5.8% of litter, respectively.

Initiatives such as the National Waste Data Framework aim to improve waste management and recycling practices in New Zealand. Consumers also play a crucial role in improving recycling rates by making conscious choices about the products they buy and properly disposing of their waste.

Plastic recycling methods

Plastic recycling is vital in managing waste and creating a more sustainable future. It supports a circular economy, which reduces waste and reuses materials. While it is difficult to determine exactly how much plastic is recycled in New Zealand, it is estimated that only around 58% of the 735 thousand tonnes of packaging consumed by New Zealanders each year is recycled. This means that approximately 252,000 tonnes of plastic waste is disposed of in landfills annually.

There are two main types of plastic recycling methods: mechanical and chemical. Mechanical recycling is the traditional method that has been used for decades and is responsible for the majority of plastic recycling globally. This process involves grinding, washing, sorting, and reprocessing plastic material so that it can be repurposed. The plastic is then converted into other products, substituting for the use of virgin plastics.

Chemical recycling, on the other hand, is a newer technology that breaks down the polymer structure of plastics to create a raw material that can be used to manufacture new products. There are three types of chemical recycling processes: pyrolysis, gasification, and depolymerization. Pyrolysis involves heating polymers in the absence of oxygen, causing them to break down into smaller parts that behave like oil. This synthetic oil can then be used as feedstock in the petrochemical industry. Gasification is similar, but polymers are heated in the presence of oxygen and water, resulting in a mixture of gases called syngas, which can be used as a chemical feedstock. Finally, depolymerization cuts down polymers into monomers, creating a starting material for the production of new plastic.

Other plastic recycling methods include the use of sink-float separators, which separate high-density and low-density plastics, and friction washers, which use heat, kinetic energy, and pressure to remove contaminants from plastic. Additionally, the recycling process often involves shredding or grinding plastic into smaller flakes or pellets, which can then be sold to manufacturers.

Plastic recycling challenges

Plastic recycling in New Zealand faces several challenges that hinder its effectiveness and impact on the environment. One key issue is the low recycling rate among Kiwis. Despite having access to recycling facilities, New Zealanders recycle only about 58% of their packaging waste, contributing to the country's poor performance on the environmental leaderboard. Each Kiwi throws out 31kg of plastic annually and recycles a mere 5.58kg, resulting in a significant amount of plastic waste ending up in landfills or the ocean.

The types of plastic accepted for recycling in New Zealand vary, with some plastics being easier to recycle than others. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), and Polypropylene (PP) are commonly recycled, while others, such as PVC, are not recycled domestically. However, the demand for recycled plastic exceeds the supply, leading to the import of recycled materials to meet the demand. Additionally, contamination is a significant challenge in plastic recycling. A single stray coloured plastic container can ruin an entire batch of differently coloured plastic, emphasising the need for careful sorting and processing.

The recycling infrastructure in New Zealand also plays a role in the challenges faced. The country lacks the capacity to process all the plastic waste generated, and there is a need for larger volumes of plastic to make recycling economically viable. The global plastic waste trade dynamics, such as China's withdrawal in 2018, have also impacted New Zealand's recycling efforts. Furthermore, the recyclability of a product depends on its manufacturing process, with some plastics containing irreversible chemical bonds that cannot be recycled.

To address these challenges, a system-wide approach is necessary. This includes rethinking consumption patterns, promoting alternatives to plastic, and developing innovative reuse systems to reduce single-use products. New Zealand is taking steps towards improving its recycling infrastructure, with the government investing in better practices and phasing out hard-to-recycle plastics and single-use plastic items. Councils are also adopting zero-waste policies, aiming for progressive achievements by 2040.

Plastic recycling initiatives

The country's Waste Minimisation Act 2008 aims to phase out plastics gradually, with PVC meat trays, polystyrene packaging, and plastic drink mixers on the list of items to be eliminated. Additionally, the government has proposed phasing out problematic hard-to-recycle plastics and single-use plastic items.

Plastics NZ, an industry organisation, has established a database to facilitate the exchange of manufacturing waste among manufacturers, thereby improving its utilisation. They also published a 2005 report on pre-consumer industrial waste, one of the few comprehensive data sources on the topic.

At the local government level, Auckland Council has adopted a zero-waste policy, aiming for zero-waste status by 2040. Many other councils are following suit, making Zero-Waste a key goal for all New Zealanders.

Soft plastics can be recycled in New Zealand, but collection points are sparse, currently limited to Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Wellington, and Christchurch.

Frequently asked questions