A Hawke’s Bay organic composting facility left devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle is set to receive close to $1 million in Government funding for its repair.
“Helping communities get back on their feet after the devastating weather that hit the northern parts of the country this year is a priority for this Government – and that includes restoring infrastructure to deal with waste,” said Associate Environment Minister, Rachel Brooking.
Prior to the cyclone, the large BioRich compost company on the outskirts of Napier was able to deal with 100,000 tonnes of organic waste, including green waste and woody debris, each week.
“This funding will help restore that capacity and support improvements that will future-proof the site,” Ms Brooking said.
“BioRich turns organic waste that used to be sent to landfills into valuable compost. Cyclone Gabrielle inflicted severe damage on the centre just when it was needed most, which is why I am especially pleased that BioRich is one of four waste reduction projects getting Government funding today.”
Three other projects to help tackle the wider problem with waste in New Zealand are also being funded through the Plastics Innovation Fund.
“This includes Recycle South in Invercargill, for its plastics pelletiser plant expansion project. The plant washes polyethylene and polypropylene plastics from the lower South Island, including agricultural bale wrap,” Minister Brooking said.
“Another is for AgRecovery, to trial its regulated product stewardship scheme for farm plastics before the scheme is rolled out nationally. The scheme will require producers, brand owners, importers, retailers and consumers to take responsibility for collecting and dealing with farm plastics.
“The fund is also supporting Again Again, a technology platform that enables companies to loan and track reusable packaging such as coffee cups and food containers. The funds will go towards expanding the app to include a reusable container system for the craft brewing industry for taproom pours.”