Queenstown Lakes District residents and businesses are doing an awesome job of glass recycling, a recent audit has revealed.

Findings from the audit, undertaken by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and funded by the Glass Packaging Forum (GPF), found glass collected locally for recycling has a contamination rate of just 0.35 percent.

This is well below previous audits, which showed contamination in 0.9-1.3 percent of glass products.

“With contamination at well below 1 percent the audit demonstrates how well our community is doing with glass recycling,” Kath said. 

“Glass which is too highly contaminated can’t be recycled so it’s important we keep monitoring what we collect and encourage the community to continue recycling with care.”

Commercial recycling contamination was 0.39 percent, while residential recycling was lower at 0.34 percent.

“The majority of contamination found was general rubbish and non-recyclable glass like wine or drinking glasses ending up in the blue bin, but other recyclables, such as plastic and cans which should go into the yellow bin, and ceramics were also identified,” Kath.

Conducted over three months, Kath said the audit gave QLDC an improved understanding of focus areas, which will include ongoing operational and educational initiatives.

GPF scheme manager Dominic Salmon commended residents and businesses for the very low contamination rates.

“It’s really good to see results like this. Keeping glass as free from contamination as possible is essential to ensuring it gets recycled and doesn’t end up being wasted in landfill.”

Find more tips and advice about recycling here.

PHOTO: Wānaka App