ASK TRASH QUEEN

QWe tend to ask the Trash Queen the really hard questions. As a change, can Alex suggest a couple of readily available – but underused – re-use or recycling options? RUTH

AOne thing New Zealanders may not be aware of is the network of Repair Cafes that exist in Aotearoa, staffed by committed volunteers who help people fix and repair all sorts of household goods so they can continue to be used rather than thrown away: appliances, furniture, clothing, you name it. Repair Cafe Aotearoa volunteers have a wealth of knowledge around which items are the most durable and repairable.

When it comes to electronic products in particular, more and more of the products available to buy are unrepairable, particularly when it comes to household appliances that should have a lifespan of 10-20 years. Something that waste minimisation advocates would love for New Zealanders is to know that any time they buy a new appliance such as a toaster, washing machine or vacuum cleaner, regardless of price point, they would be able to find reliable information, provided by the manufacturer, on how long the product is expected to last, how to repair it when it does break down, and know that there are spare parts available when it does need fixing.

Unfortunately the norm has become to replace. When they break, repairers cannot even get inside them to access the moving parts. This creates an enormous volume of unnecessary waste in landfill and over the longer term, costs more to that household to continually replace goods.

Consumer NZ and Repair Cafe Aotearoa are doing a lot of work in this space to help advocate for better regulation and guide Kiwis to make the best choice within their budget when they are considering a new appliance, by providing product reviews and recommendations around durability, and advocating for us to have the right to repair our items rather than throw them away.

Alex Kirkham is a waste specialist. Wondering what to do with waste? Email Alex at sundaymagazine@stuff.co.nz