Wastebusters is asking the community to support its goal of expanding its site by making a submission on the draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP) before Monday (June 30).

The non-profit community enterprise was set up in 2000 when the Wānaka population was around 4,000 people but is now struggling to keep up with the demand for its reduce, reuse and recycle services on its current footprint.

“Over the 25 years that Wastebusters has operated from the same site on Ballantyne Road the population of the Wānaka-Upper Clutha area has grown dramatically,” Wastebusters programme manager Aviette Musin said.

“Wastebusters exists to keep resources in circulation and out of landfill but with more households, visitors and building projects we need to expand our site to cope with the increases. 

“We have run out of space to take all of the items that the community would like to donate to us and as a result quality reusable and recyclable products are ending up in landfill.”

She said Wastebusters urgently requires additional land to expand the site and it is currently in discussions with Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), the landowner, to secure it.

“Your voice is vital to ensure Wastebusters can significantly expand and continue to grow its impact for our district’s zero waste future,” Aviette said.

“Please make your submission today, directly asking QLDC for more land for Wastebusters, and help us build a bigger, better circular economy and environment hub for everyone.”

Find the draft WWMP webpage and submission information here.

PHOTO: Wastebusters