Destination Queenstown (DQ) and Lake Wānaka Tourism (LWT) are helping businesses reduce waste and move toward a circular, zero-waste future. Explore practical tools, resources, and local solutions that support waste minimisation, smarter procurement, and regeneration through better material use.
Waste reduction strategies for industries
Reduce your workplace waste with these industry specific practical guides created by Wastebusters for businesses in the Queenstown Lakes District.
Want to expand on waste reduction initiatives and solutions in the food and beverage sector? Follow the link below to a dedicated page with supporting tools and resources.
DQ LWT have teamed up with Wastebusters to provide an educational waste separation video for frontline and back of house staff, particularly for those new to the Queenstown Lakes District - who may be used to different waste systems.
By taking a moment to sort waste correctly and avoid contamination, businesses help reduce what gets buried under the Earth, support waste reduction goals and reduce pressure on our unique environment.
This video is designed to be included in the induction process when onboarding new staff. Be sure to include additional information on waste streams specific to your business, such as: food scraps, compostable coffee cups, soft plastics etc
Single Use Cup Free
Becoming a single-use cup free (SUC-Free) business can significantly reduce your environmental impact by minimising plastic waste, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, and aligning with growing consumer preferences for eco-friendly practices. The SUCfree movement is a grassroots initiative aimed at reducing, and ultimately eliminating throwaway coffee cups. Remove the cost of throwaway cups from your business OR reduce costs when you swap in for a loan cup scheme.
Become a SUC-free workplace
Find out more about SUC-free alternatives and what your workplace can do to help.
The DISHrupt initiative by Sustainable Queenstown helps local events ditch disposables with smart, durable reusable serveware systems. No matter what type of event you are running, their services make it easy and affordable to go waste-free.
Wastebusters and QLDC have created a practical guide to support businesses of any size, within the district to create a waste minimisation plan.
Reduce your organic waste with Waste to Wilderness
Waste to Wilderness collaborates with numerous businesses across the region to reduce organic waste and transform it into compost for local charities like the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust. Discover the how and why of getting involved with Michael Sly and his team.
Don't let surplus food go to waste
Engage with food rescue organisations like Kiwi Harvest if you have surplus in-date ingredients or cabinet food. Even if it has been prepared for an event or buffet but has not been sent out of the kitchen, it can be rescued. In 2025, they rescued 187 tonnes of excess food which was delivered to local charities, foodbanks, and community groups supporting people in need. Operating in Queenstown and Wānaka, Kiwiharvest can do onsite collections. Find out more about the food accepted here.
Wastebusters support for your business
Wastebusters offers expert tailored support for business that includes waste audits, staff workshops and waste minimisation solutions.Learn more here.
Become a RefillNZ Station and allow visitors to fill up their reusable water bottle
RefillNZ helps people refill their water bottles with free tap water at participating businesses, cutting down on the need for disposable plastic bottles. When visitors see a RefillNZ sticker in your window, they know they’re welcome to pop in and fill up their bottle for free. Find more information and to how sign up to become a participating business here.
Commercial waste services in Queenstown and Wānaka
Hosting an event? Here is a guide and toolkit from QLDC to help you mitigate your event waste. It includes a comprehensive guide, up-to-date supplier directory, waste management plan template, waste audit templates, reduction plan templates and more.
Case Studies
Learn how local waste experts Wastebusters assist businesses in Wānaka and Queenstown Lakes to measure and manage their waste effectively.
Sustainability is at the forefront of Cardrona's operations. Learn how Cardrona have tackled their waste streams, eliminating at the source or diverting from landfill.
