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Internship at 3R

By Caddie Digital on June 30th, 2016 in People and community
3R Interns Ben Morrison and Ashley Burns

3R had the pleasure of hosting two American interns last month – Ben Morrison, from Quincy, Illinois and Ashley Burns, from Novi, Michigan.

The internship was part of Massey University’s National Expedition and Internship (NEI) – a six week programme for US undergraduates studying in the areas of agriculture, environment and food.  It includes a three week internship at various companies in the Hawke’s Bay.

3R were looking for two students to work on a project with Gareth Mentzer looking at alternative uses for recycled water-based paint.  With a strong environmental focus in both their studies and interests, Ben and Ashley proved to be a great fit for the project and 3R.

In addition to their research into end uses for paint, Ben and Ashely took part in a variety of 3R related activities and projects, including the Oamarunui landfill, Hastings Hospital, Biorich, Waste Management and helping us with the 3R beach clean up.
We asked Ben and Ashley a few questions about their time with 3R and in New Zealand:

What are you studying?  And what are your future work aspirations?

Ben: I’m studying Biological Systems Engineering and I’d like to work in environmental consulting and research

Ashley: I’m studying Environmental Economics and Policy and aspire to work for an environmental advocacy organisation that works to protect the natural resources within Michigan.


Any observations on your time with 3R?

Ben: This is a very creative and unique company.  There is lots of opportunity and flexibility here to come up with new ideas and projects to better the company, and progress the sustainability of the country.

Ashley:  An increased focus on product stewardship is the key to reducing the amount of post-consumer waste that needlessly ends up in the landfill rather than be recycled or repurposed.

This internship opened my eyes to the possibility of recycling common household goods, like paint, that I never thought was possible. 


Any opportunities you identify for 3R and NZ as a whole to improve environmental outcomes?

Ben: In my opinion, New Zealand already has more potential for improving environmental outcomes because kiwis have a larger intrinsic motivation and pride for preserving the environment then you’ll find in most of the USA.  As long as there’s waste going to the landfill, 3R will continuously find new waste management and recycling opportunities. 

Ashley:  It seems to me that New Zealand is lacking some national environmental regulation. More stringent regulation could prevent environmental degradation by holding industries and individuals responsible for the impact of their activities.


Did you gain any new perspectives during your stay?

Ben:  I’ll definitely take home all the knowledge I’ve gained of New Zealand’s culture, agriculture, and sustainability practices.  From 3R, I believe the primary topic I’ll take away is behaviour change.  We talked a lot about social incentives, conveniences, and changing others views about the environment when improving waste management.  This idea seems to be at the core of sustainable progression, and so, a very important step towards sustainability. People in the USA have an even longer way to go until environmental stewardship is a cultural normality. 

Ashley:  I will be more mindful of what I buy based on the product’s recycling capabilities. For example I will be more careful to buy glass bottles/containers instead of plastic, as glass can be infinitely recycled.

We wish Ashley and Ben all the best with their future studies and thank them for their time and input.

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ISO 14001:2015

Environmental management systems and safe work practices.

ISO 14001:2015 is an internationally recognised standard that certifies our commitment to environmental management systems and safe work practices.

Consistent with our environmental policy, the intended outcomes of our environmental management system include:

  • The enhancement of environmental performance;
  • The fulfilment of compliance obligations;
  • The achievement of environmental objectives.

Our ISO 14001:2015 certification includes 3R Operations, the Paint Product Stewardship Programmes, ChemCollect Service and the SeatSmart Child Car Seat Recycling Programme (owned and operated by 3R).

This certification is audited by TELARC.

ISO 45001:2018

Keeping our people safe, healthy and happy.

ISO 45001:2018 certification has been chosen to demonstrate the importance we place in caring for our people as we bring to life our values of Kaitiakitanga and Manaakitanga.

Keeping our team safe, healthy and happy is a primary focus for our business. We feel that the work our operations staff do makes this particularly important. Their responsibilities can include collecting and processing paint; collecting chemicals; driving trucks around the country; and getting hands-on with work wherever needed.

3R received ISO 45001:2018 certification in 2021. The ISO 45001:2018 certificate is valid for 3 years and includes annual surveillance audits which provide a valuable framework for further growth.

What is a circular economy?

New Zealand is “one of the highest generators of waste per person in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)”. The way we currently produce and manage our waste is not sustainable.

The current economy in New Zealand is linear: this equates to a process of take-make-use-dispose. The aim of the government is to move towards a circular economy.

A circular economy can refer to either biological or technical materials.

With biological materials, the cycle could be defined as make-consume-enrich. In this cycle waste returns to the environment and enriches the land.

A technical materials cycle may be more like make-use-return. In a technical materials cycle waste is repurposed and used to make something new.

Whether you need help with biological materials, technical materials, or both; 3R can partner with your business to assess your current waste, then help you reduce it.