In this member spotlight, we talk to Annabelle Numaguchi, who has recently been elected to the WasteMINZ Product Stewardship Sector Group Steering Committee.
Annabelle says she's passionate about promoting closed loop systems and a circular economy.
"Ironically, the topic that thrills me the most is how to design waste right out of our system, which, if achieved, would put me out of a job!"
Tell us about your organisation
Smart Environmental (part of the Waste & Recycling Industry Forum) has been in the industry for over 25 years and lives up to its name. We partner with Councils and communities across New Zealand, offering a variety of services. We undertake kerbside refuse and recycling collections for Councils of all different sizes, geography and requirements. At last count we operate 38 Transfer Stations, 5 Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) and deliver kerbside collections to 18 councils.
Why did you want to join WasteMINZ?
I’ve been lucky to live in several countries over four continents, and I enjoy noting differences in how things are done, including how waste is managed. I became conscious of this when living in a place that didn’t do this well and plastic bags dotted and marred the otherwise beautiful countryside.
On the other hand, because refuse wasn’t collected regularly, passersby foraged through other’s trashbags, which meant maximum resource recovery. It also meant finding vestiges of things like feminine products at my door. It’s of course far better in New Zealand; I want to help influence our industry to constant improvement and WasteMINZ offers that opportunity.
What topic/issue are you most passionate about when it comes to waste, resource recovery or contaminated land?
Ironically, the topic that thrills me the most is how to design waste right out of our system, which, if achieved, would put me out of a job! The second topic I care deeply about is how to maximise recovery of resources so we simultaneously avoid sending waste to landfill and reduce the use of virgin resources. I’m excited to have a job that allows me to focus on initiatives that promote closed loop systems and a circular economy.
What are you reading or listening to right now?
I’m a big fan of The Economist’s podcasts, from The Intelligence to Money Talks. As part of my learning journey from a sustainability perspective, I’m doing a great deal of reading on the UN Sustainability Development Goals and GRI reporting. And just for fun before falling asleep at night, I’ve been enjoying re-discovering some of my favourite writers from my twenties, John Irving, Isabelle Allende and Amy Tam.
Describe your perfect day outside of work.
I love being outside, exploring new places and eating. Tramping is a great way to combine these passions, which includes a celebratory meal at the end. In the words of Henry David Thoreau, it’s good to “simplify, simplify, simplify.” Remembering that you need to pack out whatever you pack in, including trash, makes you think carefully about what you really need and how much you want to carry. New Zealand offers a pristine playground for hikers and my happy place is in a DOC hut.
