Rubbish & recycling  |  30 Sep 2020

Share this story

A Christchurch metal recycling business is on a fast track to improving the local environment via a high-tech treatment train, leading to a major upgrade in its on-site waste management.

An industry veteran, Metalcorp NZ has taken a two-pronged approach to treating trade waste and reducing storm-water contamination in order to mitigate the impact of its operation.

The 30-year-old company’s substantial waste reduction record follows an extensive search for a comprehensive solution to futureproof its Halswell site.

Metalcorp NZ General Manager Korina Kirk says the family-owned metal recycling business “was unable to find satisfactory solutions in New Zealand, which, they felt, would future proof their site, so they turned to the United States where the industry had well established, innovative and effective waste treatment combinations, utilising the latest technology”.

“We were determined to lift our game in terms of waste management and set an industry standard in environmental responsibility,” Ms Kirk says.

“We finally found the answer in the United States, shipping over a high-tech combination to cut ground-level pollution.”

The newly installed Clara Filter removes bulk solids and metals from storm-water run-off on the high-capacity site while the Aquip industrial system treats particulates and dissolved pollutants.

Christchurch City Council City Services General Manager David Adamson has welcomed the recycling company’s commitment to “environmental stewardship”, describing the on-site waste treatment system as “excellent”.

“We are very pleased to see that the new treatment train is doing an amazing job, with Clara effectively removing bulk solids and metals and the Aquip system further polishing the effluent,” Mr Adamson says.

“Based on recent Council sampling, the new system and controls are having major mitigating effects on metal-related pollution at the Halswell Junction outfall.”

Mr Adamson says the move by Metalcorp underlines that it is the responsibility of each business to improve their waste management outcomes, no matter the industry.

“By acknowledging the need for a greater commitment to on-site waste management, Metalcorp has shown that innovative, adaptive solutions are integral to long-term business success,” he says.