In a significant step toward embedding sustainability into traffic management operations, Tauranga City Council has become one of the first local authorities to partner with RTL in our innovative Better Cone Recycling Programme. Leslie Cunningham, Team Leader - City Operations, shares how the programme was a perfect fit with their sustainability goals, how it diverts pvc waste from landfill and how it demonstrates leadership in sustainable practice.

What initially sparked Tauranga City Council’s interest in becoming one of the first councils to join RTL’s Better Cone Recycling Programme, and how does it line up with your sustainability goals?
Tauranga City Council is committed to embedding sustainability into all areas of our operations. The Better Cone Recycling Programme immediately stood out as an opportunity to reduce waste to landfill, support circular economy principles, and set a new benchmark for responsible asset management in traffic operations. Joining early reflects our commitment to piloting innovative solutions that deliver both environmental and operational benefits.

As early adopters of this recycling initiative, what expectations do you have for the 2:1 model, and what impact do you hope it will make on your traffic management operations?
The 2:1 model aligns well with our goal of reducing waste while maintaining cost efficiency. By recycling two end-of-life cones into one new cone, we’re expecting measurable reductions in both landfill disposal and procurement volumes over time. Operationally, this means we can demonstrate leadership in sustainable practice without compromising on safety or efficiency in traffic management operations.

In these early stages of implementing the programme, what aspects have you found most promising, and what are you looking forward to as the partnership develops?
The simplicity of the programme — it’s a practical, easy-to-implement solution with clear environmental benefits. Early engagement has been very positive, and we look forward to tracking measurable outcomes as the programme scales. We’re particularly excited about the potential for continuous improvement, such as expanding recycling to other traffic management products in the future.

Through the Better Cone Recycling Programme, we're working together with forward-thinking customers and councils like Tauranga to reduce waste to landfill, support circular economy principles, and and establish better sustainable practices in road safety management across New Zealand. If you are interested in cone recycling, please contact us our team on 0800 785 744 or sales@rtl.co.nz.

Relevant Links:

• https://www.wastehub.co.nz/local-waste-news/blog-post-title-one-xnpcc-cetas
• https://conerecycling.rtl.co.nz/form.php
• https://rtl.co.nz/product/tc14rcy/better-cone-recycling-programme
• https://rtl.co.nz/resource/better-cone-tender-writing-and-image-support
• https://rtl.co.nz/resource/rtl-brochure-better-cone-and-cone-recycling