Plastic Pollution In New Zealand: A Comprehensive Overview

Plastic waste is a pressing global issue, and New Zealand is not exempt. While the country has a clean, green reputation, it is facing challenges in managing its plastic waste effectively. There is a lack of standardised data on plastic use and disposal in New Zealand, making it difficult to accurately assess the scale of the problem. However, it is estimated that around 252,000 tons of plastic end up in New Zealand's landfills each year, and only about 58% of the 735,000 tonnes of packaging consumed annually is recycled. With plastic accounting for approximately 8% of New Zealand's waste by weight, it is clear that addressing plastic waste is a significant concern for the country.

Plastic waste accounts for 8% of New Zealand's waste by weight, but 20% of landfill space

Plastic waste is a significant issue in New Zealand, with plastic accounting for about 8% of the country's waste by weight. However, due to its lightweight nature, it is estimated that plastic waste occupies approximately 20% of landfill space. This disparity in figures underscores the challenge posed by plastic waste in New Zealand.

The annual volume of plastic waste in New Zealand's landfills is substantial, reaching around 252,000 tonnes. This plastic waste does not biodegrade; instead, it persists in the environment for centuries, gradually disintegrating into smaller fragments. The longevity of plastic waste in landfills underscores the importance of effective waste management strategies and the need to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic products whenever possible.

New Zealand has recognised the importance of addressing plastic waste and is taking steps towards improving its recycling infrastructure. The country has adopted mechanical recycling methods, which involve collecting, sorting, and processing plastic waste into reusable granules. However, there is a lack of standardised data and reporting on plastic use and disposal in New Zealand, hindering the country's ability to fully comprehend the scale and nature of its plastic waste problem.

While New Zealand has initiatives like plastic lumber, where recycled plastic is transformed into planks for outdoor furniture and other applications, the country still faces challenges. A notable issue is the export of plastic waste to other countries, particularly Thailand and Malaysia, which has led to environmental and health concerns in those regions. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach, including accurate data collection, improved recycling practices, and a reduction in plastic consumption.

Kiwis consume ~735,000 tonnes of packaging annually, with only 58% recycled

New Zealanders consume about 735,000 tonnes of packaging annually, according to the Packaging Council of NZ. However, only around 58% of this is recycled, with the rest ending up in landfills or being exported as waste. This equates to approximately 252,000 tonnes of plastic waste disposed of in New Zealand landfills each year, contributing to about 8% of the country's total waste stream by weight.

The low recycling rate in New Zealand can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there is a lack of standardised data and reporting on plastic use and disposal in the country, making it challenging to fully understand the extent of the problem. This lack of data also hinders the implementation of effective waste management strategies. Additionally, New Zealand exports a significant portion of its plastic waste, with over 98,000 tonnes exported between January 2018 and March 2021, primarily to Thailand and Malaysia.

The types of plastic used in packaging also play a role in the low recycling rate. Many common packaging materials, such as mixed-material packaging and plastic bottles with shrink-wrapped sleeves, are difficult to recycle and often end up in landfills. The recyclability of a product depends on its composition; thermoset plastics, for example, contain irreversible chemical bonds and cannot be recycled, whereas thermoplastics can be remelted and remodelled. Consumer confusion about which plastics can be recycled further exacerbates the issue, with many people unintentionally putting non-recyclable materials in their recycling bins.

To address these issues, the New Zealand government has proposed phasing out certain hard-to-recycle plastics and single-use plastic items. The Environment Minister, David Parker, has also pledged significant investment in recycling infrastructure and improving practices for waste sent offshore. Additionally, some councils in New Zealand have adopted zero-waste policies, aiming to achieve zero-waste status by 2040.

New Zealand exports plastic waste to Thailand and Malaysia

New Zealand has been criticised for exporting plastic waste to Thailand and Malaysia. Between January 2018 and March 2021, the country exported 98,000 tonnes of plastic waste, with more than 46,000 tonnes of this ending up in Thailand and Malaysia.

These exports have had a devastating impact on local communities, with plastic pollution from scattered dump sites affecting wildlife ecosystems. Malaysian activist Pua Lay Peng, who has been living amongst the plastic dumps and factories, has shared her experiences of the disappearing bird and bee populations, depleted fishing stocks, and declining tree health. She is urging New Zealanders to support a ban on all plastic waste exports and to recycle their waste within the country.

Thailand has become a significant importer of plastic waste, with more than 1.1 million tonnes of plastic scraps entering the country between 2018 and 2021. This has resulted in the burning of waste instead of recycling it, leading to the release of microplastic residues into rivers and the disappearance of fish. In December 2024, Thailand introduced a ban on plastic waste imports, approved by the country's cabinet, following years of campaigning by environmental activists.

New Zealand's plastic waste exports are part of a broader issue of "waste colonialism", where wealthy countries export their waste to developing nations. This practice is driven by economic factors, as it is cheaper and easier for Western countries to export their waste to countries with lower labour costs and weaker exchange rates. However, it has significant environmental and health impacts on the receiving countries. In 2024, Indonesia returned five containers of contaminated plastics to New Zealand, and Southeast Asian countries have started to ban or heavily restrict plastic waste imports.

New Zealand uses mechanical recycling, where plastics are sorted, washed, shredded, melted, and remade

While there is a lack of standardised data on plastic use in New Zealand, it is estimated that the country consumes around 735,000 tonnes of packaging annually, with only 58% of this being recycled. Between January 2018 and March 2021, New Zealand exported over 98,000 tonnes of plastic waste, mainly to Thailand and Malaysia.

New Zealand uses mechanical recycling to process plastics. This involves several steps to transform used plastics into new products. Firstly, plastics are collected, sorted, and separated into like materials. This step is crucial, as different types of plastics have different recycling requirements. The sorted plastics are then washed to remove any dirt or residue. After washing, the plastics are shredded into small flakes. This physical process breaks down the plastic items into smaller pieces, preparing them for the next stage.

The flakes are typically washed again to ensure they are clean before being placed into an extruder, a machine that applies heat and pressure. Within the extruder, the plastic flakes are melted and pushed through, allowing them to be remodelled. The molten plastic is then cooled and pressed through a die, giving it a uniform shape. Finally, the cooled and shaped plastic is chopped or pelletised into granules, ready to be remade into new products. This mechanical recycling process allows New Zealand to give used plastics a new lease of life, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

While New Zealand's mechanical recycling process is a step towards environmental responsibility, the country still faces challenges. There is a need for improved data collection and standardised measurement systems to fully understand plastic usage and disposal. Additionally, New Zealand's recycling rates could be higher, with an assessment by Consumer NZ revealing that the country has low practical recycling rates compared to other nations.

Soft plastics can be recycled in select locations across the country

Soft plastics can be recycled in select locations across New Zealand. The Love NZ Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme enables New Zealanders to recycle plastic wrappers and bags. The scheme is funded by members, with additional support from Countdown, The Warehouse, and Huckleberry, who provide recycling facilities.

The Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme collects from selected Woolworths, The Warehouse, New World, Pak'nSave stores, and other locations. In the North Island, you will find bins in Auckland, Waiheke Island, Gisborne, Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay, Hauraki District, Taranaki, Thames Coromandel, Whanganui, Wairarapa, and Wellington regions. In the South Island, you can recycle soft plastics in Blenheim, Nelson & Tasman, Christchurch, Akaroa, Oamaru, Rangiora, Dunedin, Alexandra, Queenstown, Wānaka, Invercargill, and Gore.

The scheme is a Government-accredited voluntary product stewardship programme, one of three accredited schemes run by The Packaging Forum. The Packaging Forum works with producers and members to increase demand for recycled products to grow New Zealand's circular economy.

To recycle soft plastics, collect all the soft plastic packaging you use at home, ensure the bags are clean, empty, and dry, and drop them into the Soft Plastics Recycling bins at supermarkets and other stores. Only clean, dry, and empty soft plastic bags and packaging are accepted. Food scraps and liquid will contaminate all the other bags in the bin. Hard plastic and metal objects will damage the processing plant.

Frequently asked questions