Closing the loop takes collaboration and Hawke’s Bay businesses are making it happen!

Reflection Friday: ♻️

Collaboration between businesses, council and recycling partners is helping Hawke’s Bay keep valuable pipe materials in circulation. Marley New Zealand reports that the region’s first shipment of collected PVC and PE pipe arrived at PRNZ Auckland for recycling on 30 June.

Milestone reached in Hawke’s Bay Recycling Trials

A significant milestone has been reached in Hawke's Bay, with the region's first load of collected PVC and PE pipe successfully transported to PRNZ Auckland for recycling.

The shipment arrived 30 June totalling 4,340kg, comprising approximately 4,100kg collected through the Henderson Road Transfer Station and a further 240kg from Fulton Hogan. Rather than ending up in landfill, this material will now be processed and put back into the manufacturing loop as part of our industry-wide effort to build New Zealand's PVC and PE recycling capability.

This achievement reflects the collective efforts of tradies, contractors, merchants, Hastings District Council and recycling partners across the region. In particular, we'd like to acknowledge the many Hawke's Bay plumbers who have taken the extra time to separate waste pipe for recycling. Your commitment is making a measurable difference.

The quality of the material collected has also been encouraging. PRNZ reported minimal contamination across the load, with only drainage pipe rubber rings requiring removal. It is a great indication that the recycling process is being understood and supported by those contributing material.

Local merchants continue to play a vital role in making recycling accessible. A special shout out to Reece Plumbing Napier and Mico Plumbing Hastings, who are currently collecting the greatest volumes of PVC pipe in the region.

Like any good recycling story, there is even a recycling story behind the recycling effort itself. The one-cubic-metre collection bags used throughout the programme were sourced second-hand by Geoff Gibson, Regional Construction & Demolition Waste Minimisation Lead at Hastings District Council, from a local business with surplus bags available. Instead of being discarded, the bags have been given a second life supporting the collection programme.

This milestone demonstrates what can be achieved when we all work together toward a common goal. Every length of pipe diverted from landfill helps keep valuable material in circulation and strengthens New Zealand's growing circular economy.

To all the Hawke's Bay plumbers and contractors who have contributed material so far, thank you. Keep up the great work!

Closing the Loop

The initiative connects local collection points and contractors with recycling infrastructure, diverting material from landfill and returning it to the manufacturing loop.

For businesses, the lesson is practical: building integrated recycling and manufacturing systems depends on connecting those who generate waste with those who can recover and use it.

Could your business separate materials, host a collection point or partner with a recycler to help close the loop?