A new online directory launched by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council is intended to help people dispose of waste responsibly.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council project implementation officer Annabelle Ellis says the directory: http://recycle.boprc.govt.nz/ is a database of businesses that take or recycle waste from the Bay of Plenty.

'This new directory is an easy way to find out what to do with your unwanted materials,” says Annabelle.

'There are many businesses that people aren't aware of and we have now made it easier to find out.”

On the site, users can select the type of waste they have and the directory will list the businesses which can take it.

The development of the new directory was a direct result of community feedback.

'From a review on waste services we found that people wanted to get rid of things in the right way rather than sending to landfill, but they just didn't know how,” says Annabelle.

'From clothing to tyres to toxic chemicals, it's surprising the vast amount of materials that can be recycled or disposed of sustainably. Some businesses even offer to come and pick things up at no cost.”

The launch of the directory coincides with the recent upgrade to the Waste Exchange at: www.nothrow.co.nz

This site has run since 1999 and continues to provide successful options to exchange unwanted materials across the North Island.

'So with a new local waste and recycling directory as well as an upgraded waste exchange site, we hope that people will be encouraged to minimise their waste and act sustainably.”