The New Zealand Government has announced funding to upgrade the Waihi Recycling Transfer Station, a project aimed at reducing landfill waste and improving recycling capacity in the Hauraki District. The investment is being delivered through the Waste Minimisation Fund and supported by local council co-funding.
The Hauraki District Council will receive almost $660,000 in government funding, alongside an additional $420,000 contribution from the council itself, to construct a dedicated area for sorting construction and demolition waste. The upgrade is expected to significantly improve the facility’s ability to process recyclable and reusable materials.
Once completed in 2028, the upgraded station is projected to divert around 3,400 tonnes of waste from landfill each year. This includes approximately 3,000 tonnes of green waste, 350 tonnes of paper and cardboard, and about 30 tonnes of construction materials that would otherwise contribute to landfill volumes.
The improvements will also increase the station’s capacity to handle recyclables and glass by an estimated 20 to 40 percent. Green waste collected at the facility will be processed into mulch for use in local parks and public spaces, while surplus material will be converted into compost.
Government ministers have highlighted the project as part of broader efforts to reduce emissions from the waste sector and improve environmental outcomes. By diverting organic and construction waste from landfill, the initiative is expected to contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions and more efficient resource use.
The Waihi Recycling Transfer Station is one of the busiest facilities in the region, serving both the Hauraki and Western Bay of Plenty areas, particularly during peak tourism and construction periods. Officials say the upgrade will improve service capacity while supporting long-term sustainability goals and local environmental management.
