More than 70 per cent of Wanaka residents have given up takeaway cups according to a survey released by Wastebusters this week. 

The findings from Wastebusters’ 2021 Resourceful Communities survey indicate almost three-quarters of Wanaka respondents (74 per cent) always or usually use their own cup, up from 60 per cent in 2019.

“It’s now the norm in Wanaka for people to use their own cup, which is a real breakthrough for our community,” Wastebusters project manager Sophie Ward said.

She credited the SUC Free Wanaka campaign, which is supported by Wastebusters and Plastic Free Wanaka, and driven by cafes who had taken ownership of their waste streams.

“We’re well on the way to meeting the SUCfree Wanaka goal of being single use cup free by 2022,” Sophie said. “Wanaka is seen as a leader in this space.”

As part of Plastic Free July this year, Wastebusters will focus on removing some of the barriers around BYO container use. 

The SUC Free campaign was a great example of community-led behaviour change, she said.

“Wastebusters would love to support other communities to trial similar campaigns in their towns to fight back against coffee cups and other single use items. Sharing what we’ve learnt through this survey is one step towards that.”

Fifty-seven per cent of people in the the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago region area always or usually take their own cup. In Queenstown, this figure is 53 per cent and in Central Otago it is 34 per cent.

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And it is now the norm in Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago for people to use their own bag or bottle, with 96 per cent and 92 per cent respectively, always or usually doing so.

The survey asked people about a range of behaviours, from taking their own cup or container, to refilling and repairing. 

It was first undertaken in 2019 and this year saw a 20 per cent increase in responses to 1,003 participants. 

The research aims to identify the barriers that prevent people in Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago from reducing and reusing. 

As in 2019, the main reasons that people do not use their own cups,bags or containers are that they forget or they didn't think they’d need the item. They are also not aware that BYO is an option sometimes, especially in regards to bringing a container for takeaways or deli items. 

As part of Plastic Free July this year, Wastebusters will focus on removing some of the barriers around BYO container use.

According to the survey, the top three influences on consumer choices are health, impact on the environment and reducing waste to landfill. 

As expected, Covid-19 has had an impact on our behaviours and concerns. 

“This is reflected in the survey which shows that people are less likely than they were in 2019 to take their own containers for takeaways or meat/deli products,” Sophie said.

“Price is also more of an influence on consumer choice than it was previously.”

The survey also found that people want businesses to do more to support their waste minimisation efforts.

“It came through very clearly that individuals want more support from business and government to make it easier to change their behaviour,” Sophie said. “This includes encouraging reusable container options and companies giving feedback to their suppliers about reducing plastic packaging. We all have a part to play in accelerating the transition to a circular economy.”

Sophie said the information will be used to inform future campaigns and initiatives, create helpful workshops and further online resources, and better target Wastebusters’ activities to have more impact.

“Thanks to all who responded to the survey. Wastebusters has gleaned some great insight into the barriers our communities face reducing and reusing, and how far we have come since 2019.”

For more information and regional breakdown, read the full survey report here.

PHOTOS: Wastebusters