Riverlution Precious Plastic
Riverlution Precious Plastic aims to establish a community-led plastic reprocessing social enterprise adjacent to the Riverlution Eco Hub in the Riverlution Eco Park.
The primary objective is to collect lids and tops or items smaller than a yogurt pottle made of number 2 (HDPE) and number 5 (PP) plastics and transform them into garden-themed products.
The business plan includes a timeline of producing plant pots in the first year and introducing a new garden theme product each subsequent year.
The organisation is currently looking for funding to support the enterprise’s initial setup and provide wages for two years, allowing sufficient time for the social enterprise to become self-sustaining.
In its first year, the enterprise plans to produce plant pots, with a new garden-themed item introduced annually thereafter. To support the initial setup and operations, we are currently seeking funding to cover infrastructure and wages for two years—providing the runway needed to develop into a self-sustaining social enterprise.
Our goal is to reduce plastic waste through community involvement, education, and creative upcycling. We envision a future where plastic waste is significantly reduced and where individuals are empowered to make sustainable, informed choices. These goals align with the Riverlution and Richmond Community Garden Impact Strategy.
To make lid and top recycling more accessible, we’ve established collection points across Christchurch, with plans to expand. Locations of current drop-off stations are included in the map below.
All collected plastic will be shredded and reprocessed into garden-related products on-site, using a dedicated container workspace. This model supports a circular economy by replacing the conventional linear approach of “take, make, consume, dispose” with one that values reuse and waste reduction. By processing plastic locally, we eliminate the costs and emissions associated with transporting materials to distant factories—making our solution not only practical but environmentally sound.
✅ Save your caps and lids instead of throwing them away.
♻️ Check the recycling number on each item – we’re collecting plastics marked with #2 (HDPE) and #5 (PP).
📦 Drop off #2 and #5 lids or plastic smaller than a yogurt pottle at any of our collection sites listed here. At the site, please separate them by plastic type and colour.
🌏 Other plastic types (caps & lids) can still be dropped off at the Riverlution Eco Hub – we’ll ensure they’re sent to Australia for appropriate recycling.
💚 Feel great knowing you’ve helped reduce plastic waste and support a local circular economy initiative!
