The government will contribute more than $2 million of its Waste Minimisation Fund to build a new community recycling centre in Onehunga.
Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage says the centre will reduce landfill waste each year by more than 3500 tonnes by 2025. Photo: RNZ / Ana Tovey
Auckland Council will develop the centre and will fund $416,400 for the project.
The Onehunga recycling centre will provide services including drop off areas for different waste, processing, purchase and sale of reusable goods.
It's expected to be fully operational by 2021.
The associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage said the centre would reduce waste ending up in landfill each year by more than 3500 tonnes by 2025.
"Onehunga locals can expect a community hub that will enable the community to reduce waste, as well as providing local jobs, training and opportunities to volunteer. It will empower locals, community organisations and businesses as part of a shared mission to become a zero waste city."
The facility will also create 15 new jobs for locals, Ms Sage said.
Auckland Council hopes to have 12 centres of this kind operating in the city by 2024.
The city's mayor Phil Goff said the facility would cut the equivalent of more than a quarter of a million wheelie bins of material going to landfill
"Delivery of this Community Recycling Centre is being fast tracked thanks to the funding boost from government. It will extend our existing network of eight community recycling centres to the more than 70,000 Aucklanders in the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki ward, helping to reduce waste, improve the local environment and create employment opportunities."
