August 18, 2024

Trash Talk

New Zealand takes their trash seriously.  MaryAnne would be so proud.  Citizens are respectful of proper waste disposal.  I’ll share a few points we’ve discovered, thus far.  Mary, this post is for you!!

Our trash “room” is found in the basement carpark.

One must have a key fob to access the room.  Obviously, the owners don’t want just anyone dumping their trash in our special place.

Note the neat arrangement and organization of the varied trash receptacles.

A camera monitors this room.

Recycling is an important part of

New Zealand rubbish. 

Then, there is general rubbish.

We even have a special place for large pieces of cardboard.

Aha!  The pink-lined bin.  This holds all food, meat, and organic scraps.

The small, lined receptacle fits under our kitchen sink.  It stands about 10 inches tall, and we line it with the pink bags available everywhere.  We’re grateful they have developed a successful composting system.

We’re diligent about properly sorting our trash.  This bin seems to fill quickly as we eat so many fruits and veggies.

We also have bins in our apartment for general trash and recyclable items.  Taking out the garbage requires several hands and 14 flights of stairs.

Public parks require carrying out your own trash.  We seldom, if ever, see loose trash anywhere.  We have no idea the cost of fines for improper disposal of waste, nor do we want to find out.

This bin threesome is seen at all functions and several public places.  I’m amazed at how little odor accompanies any trash bins.  The pink-lined cans can become malodorous, but they are emptied so frequently.  We appreciate the sorting and reusing skills of the Kiwis.  We’ve learned a thing or two.

Kiribati.  Trash handling is different in this 3^rd world country.  These raised “baskets” line the lone street of the island.

Collections seem to occur a few times each week.

My good friends Letitia and Aaron Lin.  They attend English Connect class regularly. 

Now they will take off several weeks for a most important season:

Aiden Lin arrived July 26, 2024.  I asked her to consider using my grandson’s birthday.  She actually honored Hans by delivering on his special day.

Two weeks old – Aiden looks serene and resembles his Daddy.  We enjoy the English students.  I’m amazed at how quickly I become attached to these sweet people.   

Paul took the OGC office to the Hamilton temple Friday afternoon.  I can’t get there often enough.

We then met at a Mexican restaurant for dinner before the drive home.  There is very little Latino food here.  When someone finds a good place the word travels quickly.  Note Sister Sloan on the right.  She’s a service missionary from Auckland working with our office two days a week.