Zero Waste: Foam Recycling in NZ

Now clean post-consumer foam can be recycled in NZ!

In 2005 Zero Waste New Zealand Limited and Vita NZ Limited have established a post-consumer foam recycling system within New Zealand.

A major component of used furniture in New Zealand is plastic foam; furniture containing foam is bulky, and disposing of it at a landfill is expensive.

Series of post-consumed foam collection depots have been created, although we still need more. Accumulated foam can be collected and delivered to factories in Auckland and Christchurch for recycling. Each depot receives a payment per kilo for the foam.

As of September the 14th the payment for foam has changed to 50 cents/kilo because the international price of foam has dropped.

Collection of foam from depots is free; there are no transport costs.

• Recycled in New Zealand –closing the loop
• Payment to collection depots per kilo of foam
• Collection from depots to factories is free of charge
• The foam needs to be dry, clean, bagged or baled
• Foam can be accumulated from car seats, couches, foam squabs etc
• Save landfill space & cost, and resources
  

For instance, each two-seater couch contains approx 5.5 kgs of foam. All wood framing is untreated so can be a firewood source. Consider the savings in landfill costs and small income from foam and firewood.

A number of depots have been established around the country where foam can be deposited. From these depots, Vita NZ Ltd will collect the foam for reprocessing.

The map indicates our newly established depots; further depots are currently being established. If you wish to contact your nearest depot, or if you wish to become a depot, see the link below or click here for further information. 

        

This page last updated on September 2007.