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- Sustainability
The process and economics of recycling is global and changes quickly.
It means prices move up and down depending on geopolitical and economic factors. We try to keep Waste Management’s prices as consistent as possible, but do need to make adjustments when there is sustained pricing pressure.
The conflict in Ukraine
An energy supply crunch tied to the conflict in Ukraine is causing widespread blackouts and soaring electricity prices across Europe.
It is affecting paper mills, and Europe is now sending much of its fibre recycling to Southeast Asia, where there is an oversupply.
What does it mean for New Zealand?
Southeast Asia is the primary market for our fibre materials. However, the glut from Europe means prices have dropped significantly and no longer cover the costs of collection.
We are raising our prices accordingly to ensure we can continue to sustainably take care of this recycling.
Contamination
Contamination also increases costs. Overseas markets, and increasingly our New Zealand recycling processors, will only accept high quality materials free from any contamination. If a load of recycling is found to be contaminated it puts our ongoing relationship with recycling processors at risk.
What you can do
Make sure you have the right bins and are following recycling best practice.
Talk to your sales consultant for more information, but this series of videos is a great place to start. The videos outline:
The good news
At Waste Management we are investing in the circular economy and choose local solutions for recycling wherever possible. Most of our plastic is able to be recycled within New Zealand - a whopping 80% in 2022. The below diagram gives an overview of our partners and the end goods your recycling is turned into. View the PDF HERE.
