Our volunteers work with Far North District Council, local volunteer groups and businesses including Northland Waste Ltd and The Carbon Cycle Compost Company to create a circular economy by implementing better waste minimisation practices on the Russell Peninsula and surrounds.
Here are some of the ways in which we encourage better waste management:
1. Waste Ambassadors
We started in 2014 as event waste management educators under the name of Russell Recyclers, and we are now well-known recycling ‘ambassadors’ for a number of events in Russell and surrounding areas. These include the “Coastal Classic” and the “Bay of Islands Sailing Week”.
Our waste ambassador volunteers attend events with recycling and general waste bins set up. They ensure that waste that can be recycled ends up in the right bins, thus preventing contamination and recyclable waste needlessly ending up in landfill. The contents of the bins are then recycled at the local Transfer Station.
We also take this opportunity to educate the public on recycling and correctly sorting waste.
If you’d like to volunteer to be a waste ambassador, please email recycling@resilientrussell.nz.
2. Fabric Rescue
FIXation is an inspirational project with a retail shop and workshop in York Street, Russell. Its purpose is to prevent fabric from going to landfill by teaching and sharing skills to create garments and accessories that are useful and attractive. It is run entirely by volunteers, and all proceeds go to the local community.
3. Rubbish and Recycling Pop-Up on the Wharf
Since 2023, we have provided a pop-up recycling and refuse centre on Kororāreka wharf, with the help and support of many individuals and organisations. Find out more here.
4. Russell Holiday Recycling Checklist
The Russell Holiday Recycling Checklist is a new initiative aimed primarily at holiday home rentals and Airbnbs. You can get free copies or print out your own – for more information, click here.
5. The Shed
The Shed frequently uses recycled materials for their wonderful creations, thereby contributing to waste minimisation. You can find out more about the mahi of The Shed here.
Works in Progress
We’re currently working on the following projects:
• Hot composting
• TetraPak recycling
• Coffee capsule recycling – we already have a box for this, but if anyone knows of a good spot (ideally supervised and dry, e.g. inside retail or cafe premises), please get in touch!
