Waste exchange

TerraNova has been a leader in resource recovery, reuse and recycling since 1997.

TerraNova operates the largest waste exchange service in the country, covering the Christchurch City, Waimakariri, Kaikoura, Tasman, Southland, and West Coast districts, and, most recently, Dunedin City.

The service was set up in 1993 to divert material from landfill and is totally free. Local businesses or organisations list their waste items on a database and then the waste exchange co-ordinators seek other organisations, community groups, schools or individuals who might have a use for the materials.

The co-ordinator makes a point of going into the community to assess where there is material that could be saved from the landfill, and actively contacts local interested parties with ideas and offers.

Does it make a difference?

The amount of material saved from landfill and reused in practical and innovative ways is astounding – 5400 cubic metres of waste in the twelve months from July 2007 - June 2008 alone. To date, there are approximately 5511 companies listed on the database and the TerraNova Waste Exchange has facilitated thousands of successful exchanges and, over 10 years, have had 11,100 listings.

Successes include using waste products for insulation, soundproofing, building, gardening, and art and crafts.

Information about Dunedin listings is available at TerraNova Dunedin. If you would like more information about getting your organisation involved with the TerraNova waste exchange programme, email info@terranova.org.nz.