Manawatu glass recycling gets a $30K, 50 tonne boost

The new glass bunkers mean glass recycling is more secure and easier for the public.

MEDIA RELEASE: Recycling glass in Manawatu is now easier and safer after the council built a new facility, with help from the Glass Packaging Forum (GPF).

The new transfer station and recycling centre, in Feilding, is expected to double the amount of glass being dropped off, from 50 to 100 tonnes a month, says Manawatu District Council Senior Project Engineer Chris Pepper. The facility officially opened at the end of 2021.

The GPF awarded council a $30,000 grant which was used for building the new glass storage bunkers at the recycling centre.

“The new transfer station and recycling centre was built to replace a site which the council was leasing. As a result, we have a purpose-built facility which is more attractive, secure and makes recycling easier for the public,” Chris says.

“A key element is the improved cleanliness and lighting to allow after hours recycling drop-off.”

The new glass storage bunkers hold glass in its three base colours – green, brown and clear – before it is sent to be recycled into new glass containers in Auckland. “The bunkers will allow for easy truck, forklift and loader access, and for the storage of additional glass, particularly during holiday periods,” Chris says.

He added council is aiming also accept non-recyclable glass and ceramics in the near future. This would be crushed and reused in aggregate along with concrete crushed at the adjacent Central Environmental site, Chris says.

GPF Scheme Manager Dominic says funding infrastructure is a key part of the GPF and its members’ role in improving glass recycling. Grants are funded by voluntary GPF member levies.

“Just like any recyclable, glass needs to be of a high enough quality and large enough volume to make recycling it viable. Simple, but effective infrastructure like these bunkers make this possible,” Dominic says.