Got an old or damaged water tank? Collection schemes making recycling more accessible
Piles of farm plastics are sent to landfill each year. To reduce the waste and better our environment, recycling across Canterbury is becoming more accessible and easier to manage. Collection schemes for old or damaged water tanks is one example.
Old or damaged plastic water tanks don't have to end up in the landfill.
Instead, service providers operating across Canterbury are making it easy to recycle unwanted tanks and other rotomoulded plastic products without needing to leave your property.
Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) senior scientist, Jack Grinsted, said old water tanks was one example of farm plastic that could be transformed into a range of long-lasting products, instead of ending up in the rubbish.
“Unwanted water tanks could be turned into farm culverts or water troughs,” he said.
To help property owners find a suitable recycling option for unwanted water tanks and other rotomoulded plastics, Environment Canterbury has compiled a list of recycling service providers operating in the region that we are currently aware of.
Jack said he encouraged Canterbury farmers and those living rurally to make use of these recycling schemes to help improve environmental outcomes.
“The burning and burial of farm plastics remains an ongoing issue in Canterbury and can have lasting environmental impacts. These service providers are offering practical ways to recycle, making it easy to do the right thing,” Jack said.
“It’s a great example of circular economy in action, where materials are recovered and reused instead of being discarded after single use.”
Recyling options in Canterbury:
1. Bailey
Call: 0800 861 333 or 09 262 7070 to arrange collection.
Prepare: Cut the tank into approximately 1m x 1m sized pieces using a sabre saw.
Collection: Bailey will collect the cut-up pieces free of charge.
Cost: Free. Tanks from other manufacturers are accepted.
Conditions:
- Someone must be available to help load the pieces onto the truck.
- Truck access to the collection point is required.
Read more about recyling with Bailey Tanks.
2. Devan
Call: 0800 338 268 or 07 578 8726 to arrange collection. A collection bag will be delivered to you.
Prepare: Cut the tank into pieces approximately 500mm x 500mm and place them in the supplied bag. Ensure the bag is securely closed.
Collection: Devan will collect the bagged plastic free of charge.
Cost: Free unless you need to organise machinery, such as a forklift, to load the bags onto the truck.
Conditions:
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Only Devan tanks are accepted unless you are replacing your existing tank with a new Devan tank.
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You are responsible for loading the bags onto the truck.
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Truck access to the collection point is required.
Read more about recycling with Devan Tanks.
3. Vision Plastics
Contact: Call 09 427 0674 or contact Vision Plastics online to start the recycling process. Bulk bags will be provided.
Prepare: Clean plastic to remove any dirt/debris and ensure it doesn’t contain hazardous chemicals. Cut up the tank into 1m x 1m pieces. Pack the pieces in the supplied bags.
Collection or drop-off: Plastic can be collected from your property and, depending on circumstances, may be free of charge. You can also drop off at one of the following locations subject to prior booking/approval with Vision Plastics.
Plastic will not be accepted for drop off to these locations without Vision Plastics’ consent.
- Plasback, 325 Old West Coast Road, Christchurch
- Sollys, 9 Sir James Wattie Drive, Hornby South, Christchurch 8042
Conditions:
- If plastics are being collected from your property, you are responsible for loading the bags onto the collection truck.
- Truck access to the collection point is required.
Read more about plastic tank recycling with Vision Plastics.
More about rural waste prevention and management
Find out more about rural waste prevention and management.
Environment Canterbury has partnered with Beef + Lamb New Zealand, NZ Landcare Trust (Ngā Matapopore Whenua), Waitaki District Council and Dunedin City Council to launch Rural Waste Sorted NZ, a website with practical solutions and farmer stories.