The results were impressive. From December 26 to January 8, the team collected around 7,700 litres of recyclables, which is the equivalent of 7,700 empty one-litre drink bottles. In addition, 73 rubbish bags were filled, helping to keep the wharf area and surrounding waters clean. The success of the project shows how much people want to take responsibility for their waste, and having these recycling stations available made it easier for them to do so.
This couldn’t have happened without the support of local businesses and volunteers. Hone’s Pizza Garden helped out by emptying the wheelie bins at the transfer station, and Citycare Property took care of transporting the rubbish to the Transfer Station. Northland Waste provided the wheelie bins, and the Russell Booking & Information Centre sold tickets for the rubbish bags. There were also some important behind-the-scenes contributions from local businesses like Ray White Russell and Diane Wynnyard, who printed the posters, and Eco Solutions, who supplied special lids for the bins. It’s clear that this kind of project relies on a lot of local support.
The efforts didn’t stop there. Resilient Russell’s work also played a part in the waste management improvements during the Bay of Islands Sailing Week. The recent waste audit showed that 4,968 litres of waste were diverted from landfill during the event, the equivalent of 4,968 one-litre plastic bottles. Overall, there was a 28.5% reduction in the amount of waste generated at the event compared to the previous year. This shows that ongoing efforts, like the work from Resilient Russell, are making a noticeable difference.
The Bay of Islands Sailing Week event also showed encouraging signs of progress in recycling. The amount of cardboard collected dropped significantly, and the recycling rates for glass and compostable materials were up. These results indicate that the push for better waste management and recycling at events is paying off.
Looking ahead, the goal is to keep improving these efforts. Resilient Russell’s initiative is part of a longer-term plan to keep the Bay of Islands as clean and green as possible. The recycling stations are there for anyone who wants to use them, and getting involved is as simple as using them when you can. With ongoing support from the community, these efforts can continue to make a positive impact.
