The Resource Recovery Network (RRN) is made up of Community Recycling Centres (CRCs), which are facilities where residents can drop off unwanted goods which are then repaired, refurbished, reused, repurposed, or recycled, (rather than thrown away) to create a circular economy; an economy where waste is reduced and resources are kept in use permanently, or for as long as possible.
The RRN is intended to maximise the diversion of reusable and recyclable materials, keeping resources out of landfill and, in the process, generating multiple environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits for Auckland. The network helps to drive the vision of the Auckland Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2018: ‘Auckland aspires to be zero waste by 2040, taking care of people and the environment and turning waste into resources’.
COMMUNITY RECYCLING CENTRES
CRCs make recycling convenient for residents and empower local communities to develop local solutions for diverting resources away from landfill and back into their own communities. So far we have 13 CRCs across the Auckland region ‒ in Waiuku, Helensville, Devonport, Henderson, Whangaparāoa, Aotea / Great Barrier Island, Warkworth, Waiheke Island, Onehunga, Manurewa, Western Springs, Wairau Valley and Point England – all council-owned or supported, and community enterprise-run. As social enterprises, the CRCs create income and reinvest profit back into the community.
A total of 21 CRCs and two larger Resource Recovery Parks are scheduled to be opened by 2031. As the network increases, this will offer more resource recovery options to residents, diverting even more material from landfill, and creating vibrant community hubs.
CRCs have been embraced by Aucklanders because of their integral role in turning unwanted items into valuable resources that can be used again, while carbon emissions are reduced, and local jobs, training and volunteer opportunities are created.
SERVICES
Each CRC provides a range of services and initiatives, which may include:
- Reuse shops where you can source high-quality second-hand goods and other items such as compost or environmentally friendly products at affordable prices
- Waste education and educational tours
- Repair cafes, zero waste workshops and events
- Zero Waste inspiration
- Bespoke small-scale collections from customers
- Emergency response, disaster relief and community resilience
- Drop off for waste, unwanted goods and materials such as:
- Reusable goods (e.g. furniture, appliances, tools, outdoor equipment)
- Recyclable materials (e.g. bottles, cans, paper)
- Construction/demolition materials (e.g. bricks, timber, electrical/plumbing fittings)
- Bulky materials (e.g. scrap steel, whiteware, tyres)
- Electronic waste (e.g. TVs, computers)
Charges may apply for dropping off some items.
Contact your nearest centre to find out more about the services they offer.
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 23 - JUNE 24
AUCKLAND'S COMMUNITY RECYCLING CENTRES ARE THE FUTURE OF ZERO WASTE
Discover what some of the fantastic CRCs across Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland do and why they are so beloved by their communities. Featured in this video are CRCs located in Onehunga, Helensville, Devonport, Waitakere, Waiuku, Manurewa and Wairau Valley.
FOR AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT ONE OF THE RECENTLY UPGRADED SITES
This video highlights some of the activities and unique finds at the Warkworth Community Recycling Centre following the completion of upgrade works mid-2024 – come along and check it out in person and grab yourself a deal from the on-site shop selling high-quality goods and materials.
