So what's being done about the rubbish problem?

The Ministry for the Environment released a New Zealand Waste Strategy in March 2002. This strategy sets in place a framework for addressing how we can minimise and manage waste. The Reduce Your Rubbish campaign is part of the implementation of this strategy.

The 2004 Review of Targets in the New Zealand Waste Strategy found that the number of landfills in New Zealand has reduced from 300 to 100 since 1995 and 95 percent of New Zealanders will have access to recycling by 2005. To further meet the Strategy's targets, the Ministry for the Environment, industry and local government are also working together on a Packaging Accord to improve the sustainability of packaging used in New Zealand.

Information on other work being done to implement the strategy is available in the Ministry for the Environment's waste webpages.

The government is also exploring the concept of sustainability (Triple Bottom Line) reporting with organisations such as the Ministry for the Environment, Transit New Zealand and the Environmental Risk Management Authority. Sustainability reporting involves an organisation assessing financial, social and environmental performance, including considering rubbish and recycling in the workplace. For more information see Walking the sustainability talk - Govt³.

Xtreme Waste in Raglan are an example of a community group helping their community to reduce rubbish.

What can I do to reduce rubbish?

There are many simple things you can do to Reduce Rubbish at home or at work. Why not start by:

45% of your rubbish can be turned into compost. Tins don't belong in landfill.
Recycle everything you can.