Devonport recycles everything

As the home of the first recycling depot in New Zealand, Devonport has taken another progressive step towards creating a zero waste community.

The new Devonport Recycling Centre held its official opening with local board members, Maori leaders and Auckland Council representatives- all who played a part in the centre’s new holistic approach to recycling.

As one of three Resource Recovery Networks situated around Auckland, the Devonport Recycling Centre aims to maximise the recovery of used goods and materials that would otherwise be destined for a landfill. People can donate previously worthless objects, like broken dishwashers and dilapidated furniture, to be repaired at no cost to the environment.

Auckland Council aim to have 12 Resource Recovery Networks up and running in the next 10 years. Devonport Recycling Centre operator Andrew Walter says they have ‘‘big boots to fill’’ after the past leadership shown by Devonport on recycling.

‘‘As a waste diversion site we can’t do it on our own, it’s about working with the community and it’s about local jobs,’’ he says.

‘‘We want to be zero waste by 2040 and community recycling can play a big role in that.’’

❚ The centre is located at 27 Lake Rd, Devonport and is open 8.30am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and 9.30am to 4pm Sunday.