Going Circular
2022 AWARD FINALIST
Sponsored by Auckland Council
Will&Able is a social enterprise on a mission to create jobs for people with disabilities. The company creates high quality eco-cleaning products using 100% recycled New Zealand milk bottles, filled and packed by people with disabilities.
Abilities Group is a not for profit recycling charity dedicated to enriching the lives of people with disabilities through meaningful work. The company recycles electronic waste, polystyrene, cardboard, batteries, documents and data destruction for individuals and businesses. They employ people with disabilities providing them work in as near normal conditions as possible.
Will&Able offers a pick up recycling service to businesses and government agencies for empty, clear milk bottles and Will&Able bottles. This unique recycling service helps create jobs and a revenue stream for Purposeful People, a disability organisation in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Will&Able bottles are collected, sorted, cleaned and refilled as part of the process. The clear milk bottles are collected and converted to PCR and then the raw material is used to make new Will&Able bottles. Bottles can be cleaned and returned up to five to six times. When bottles can no longer be cleaned and refilled they are turned into PCR and made into new bottles.
The programme is currently available in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin and will extend to other parts of Aotearoa New Zealand in 2023.
