Palmy recycling myths busted in new campaign

Published on 11 November 2024

A new campaign is underway to clear up common recycling myths and show the community that all Palmy recycling truly gets a second life. Some residents mistakenly believe recycling is pointless or think it all ends up in the landfill. This campaign is here to set the record straight.

Palmerston North City Council Acting Manager of Resource Recovery, Natasha Hickmott, wants people to see the real impact of recycling.

“We’re incredibly proud of the work we do and the companies we partner with to give recycling a second life. It’s important that people trust the process – and that they know recycling is not just about putting items in a bin, but about making a real impact.”

To help bust these myths, the campaign has released episode two of Palmy Ten-7. Inspired by the crime-busting show Police Ten-7, this episode features Detective Logan on a mission to fight misinformation. Using humour to explain serious issues, the episode shows that recycling doesn’t just disappear. It’s transformed into new products that benefit our community.

Palmy’s recycling travels near and far, from Upper Hutt to Auckland, where items are transformed into new products. For instance, paper is recycled into fruit trays and egg cartons, while some plastics are given new life in items like meat trays, irrigation pipes and even black rubbish bags for city bins.

Mrs Hickmott says its crucial that people stop spreading misinformation.

“Our kerbside recycling contamination rate is currently 22%, meaning items that can't be recycled are making their way into the system. This causes extra challenges for our hardworking team, who sort through dirty and even dangerous materials daily. But despite the challenges, the efforts of those who recycle properly are not wasted – in fact, they’re making a real difference.”

To find out what happens to your recycling, visit What happens to your recycling