One person's trash is said to be another person's treasure and a new waste exchange network aims to make that statement true.
Supported by the Dunedin City Council, the Waste Exchange is a business waste recovery service which helps businesses divert their unwanted materials and recyclables to new owners, via the Internet.
Council waste strategy officer Catherine Broad said material which was destined for the rubbish dump could instead be used by other groups.
‘‘It should be seen as a resource rather than rubbish,'' she said.
As well as benefiting the economy, companies would be making savings by reducing their waste bills, she said.
The service started about the middle of last year and was gaining in popularity. Those with recycling material could get on the website and link with community groups and organisations keen to use it.
Dunedin company Silkbody, which designs silk garments, and imports the final product from China, has become part of the scheme.
Silkbody director and designer Emily Cooper said the company recycled both plastic and cardboard packaging through contacts made using the Internet scheme.
Asco activities facilitator Janelle Quigley said the cardboard could be used in arts and craft activities. Asco looks after the long-term unemployed and the mentally ill.
Silkbody gave plastic wrapping to the Portobello Marine Aquarium for use in a children's programme.
Ms Broad said there were plenty of organisations who wanted to receive goods, but she was keen for more businesses to get involved.
The website can be accessed at www.nothrow.co.nz or 0800 668 4769.
