OneCoast - Zero Waste
Story by Ivan Johnstone
In 2016 the Dunedin City Council in New Zealand followed up its decision to convert the Waikouaiti landfill to a Transfer Station. The DCC consulted with the local communities on how they would like to be involved in developing the area. The local sustainable living group of volunteers responded by forming the OneCoast organisation devoted to minimising waste. The goal of OneCoast is for their communities to transition from a linear, disposal economy to a more circular economy with a target of zero waste. These communities include Flag Swamp, Waikouaiti, Karitane, Seacliff, Hawkesbury, Warrington, Waitati, and Evansdale all located North of Dunedin. OneCoast is now an incorporated society with a memorandum of understanding with the Dunedin City Council and a good working relationship with Waste Management who manage the Transfer Station,
OneCoast has two containers at the Waikouaiti Transfer Station which are used for the collection, resale, and redistribution of goods. These containers are a drop off and point of sale for reusable items that come into the Transfer Station site. The main aim is to keep items out of landfill and not to make money,
OneCoast also has a main office in the East Otago Events Centre for the visibility and sale of goods from the Transfer Station. Its Facebook page includes dates and timings for when its containers are full of donated goods and are for sale open to the public.
OneCoast also collects liquid paperboard cartons in the wider Dunedin and Clutha district and sends them straight to be recycled into sustainable building products, including exposed and paper faced internal walls, rigid air barriers and ceiling tiles.
Community education is a key focus, and OneCoast actively provides education and support to members of the community with a focus on waste minimisation and zero waste on its website. None of the above activities would have been possible without the enthusiasm and support of local organisations, businesses, community representatives and the people of the Dunedin north coast communities.
