Rethinking waste is about more than just recycling — it’s about redesigning how we consume, reuse, and dispose of resources across our communities. At Sustainable Hawke’s Bay, we’re helping people shift from a take–make–waste mindset to something far more circular, community-driven, and sustainable.
It’s about keeping materials in use for as long as possible, reducing what we send to landfill, and creating systems that work better for people and the planet.
This is one of our most established and active areas of mahi. From our Zero Waste Hubs in Hastings and Taradale to event waste services, business audits, food waste programmes, and community education — we deliver hands-on solutions backed by experience and local knowledge. Our work is practical, adaptable, and focused on making waste reduction accessible and achievable at any scale.
Whether you’re a household wanting to reduce waste at home, a business looking to minimise your footprint, or an event organiser ready to do things differently — there are plenty of ways to get involved. We’re here to support, connect, and help design systems that last.
Together, we can create a more circular Hawke’s Bay, one choice at a time.
Our Zero Waste Hubs are a community space built to inspire action, share knowledge, and make waste reduction something we do together.
From workshops and waste minimisation classes to local drop-offs and hands-on learning, the hub is here to help Hawke’s Bay rethink what we throw away. It’s a place for practical solutions, honest conversations, and building a circular future where resources are valued – not wasted. Come learn, share, and be part of the shift.
We have two Zero Waste Hubs – Hastings and Taradale. You can view our hours and find our locations by clicking ‘Read More’ below.
We’re proving that events can be vibrant, inclusive, and enjoyable – without creating a mountain of waste behind the scenes.
From local festivals to community workshops, we support events to go zero waste through smart planning, reusable systems, on-site education, and good old-fashioned teamwork. Every bin diverted, every plate reused, every conscious choice adds up to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Contact Danielle to chat: zerowaste@sustainablehb.org.nzA third of all food produced globally is wasted – and much of it could feed our communities. We’re working to flip the script.
Through education, food rescue partnerships, and practical tools for whānau, we’re helping people see food for what it really is: a taonga. When we reduce food waste, we reduce emissions, save money, and nourish our neighbours. It’s about valuing what we have – and making sure it feeds people, not landfills.
We accept:
Batteries (household and car)
We cannot accept:
Soft plastics (except at Hastings Hub)
Food waste
E-waste
Large metal items or appliances
Hazardous chemicals
Click read more for more info on what we can and can’t recycle.
