48 tonnes of waste saved from going to landfill

Over the last week, New Zealanders saved 48 tonnes of waste from going to landfill as part of this year’s Fisher & Paykel Appliances’ recycling days.

Held in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, the annual recycling event encouraged the public to drop off any brand of inefficient appliances at identified locations, with the items then recycled for free. The first people to drop off their appliances were rewarded with a discount voucher for a new Fisher & Paykel appliance.

“Kiwi communities really got in behind this initiative and brought in approximately 800 appliances across the three centres,” said the company’s Recycling Manager George Gray.

“This year, Wellington and Christchurch were added to the mix, with a combined effort of 18 tonnes. When we add in Auckland’s 30 tonnes, an impressive 48 tonnes of waste was saved from going to landfill as a result of these recycling days.”

With tens of thousands of appliances put into landfill nationwide each year, the days enable the public to recycle their appliances in an environmentally friendly, convenient manner at no cost. This initiative is part of Fisher & Paykel Appliances’ environmental focus and commitment to make homes more energy efficient.

But one appliance delivered to the Auckland recycling day is set to stay around for many more years to come. The late 1950s washer/wringer will shortly take its place in the Fisher & Paykel Appliances ‘museum’.

Gray said: “This particular appliance is in exceptional condition and we understand it originates from England. We’ve added it to our museum which preserves appliances like this for future generations to learn from and enjoy.”