Modes of Hosting in Inorganic Waste

("New way of disposing of inorganic waste", 2016)

(Source: North Harbour News)

Waste represents an enormous loss of resources both in the form of materials and energy. The volume of waste is a problem itself, ranging from hazardous effects, pollution, limitations of space and resources. With the combining total household and industrial waste, the average New Zealander generates nearly 900kg of landfill waste (about 400kg of construction and demolition waste going to clean fills.) [1]

Auckland Council’s inorganic waste collection system has been replaced with a one consistent pick-up service available for all of Auckland. The old system of an annual once a year treasure hunt for people to patrol the streets and to harvest the goods from our neighbours is changed. Inorganic Collections have enabled Auckland householders to pile their unwanted items on the kerbsides to be picked-up by the Council, which is then taken to the landfill.[2] For a few days while they are left there waiting to be collected, people gather around the neighbourhood in their vehicles sifting through fancied items. But now, you must book your pick-up two weeks prior to your collection; it is an requirement that your inorganic waste measures below 1 cubic metre and that it must be placed within your property. These new changes aim to reduce waste to landfill by reusing more items and reducing mess on streets. The new collection model will also reduce illegal dumping, all these will improve health and safety for the public and collectors. Undoubtedly, all these factors are highly important to consider about the environment; but what is lost from this system, are the opportunities for hosting through modes of visibility within publicness.

Inorganic disposal somewhat activates a sense of privacy being invaded.The host’s personal belongings which have been kept private in the comfort of their home are being exposed to the public; which in return, the public eye could possibly pass judgements or ideas of what kind of person/lifestyle based on the belongings exposed. Its urban implications is in the project siting, the space occupied by inorganic waste is placed on the kerb; which is public space owned by the Auckland Council. From an outsider’s view, the concept of inorganic disposal can be seen as repulsive, such as in ways that we do not appear to take pride in our living conditions. However, the concept actually provides a capacity for hosting by opening up modes of communication through exchange in publicness. The person disposing their inorganic waste into public space becomes the host, while the receiver of the unwanted ‘goods’ becomes the guest. Urban fosters the opportunity of exchange-the host is indirectly inviting guests into their property by allowing them to rummage through items they want cleared out; where in return, the guest receives free ‘goods’ to reuse.

For me, I look forward to this treasure harvesting day every year. My tactical response to this Inorganic disposal is through the lens of the guest. I am the hunter and harvester of found ‘goods.’

The guest role enables me to be anonymous; giving me a license to gather personal information, yet I could walk away from the situation protected. To observe the host’s belongings in a way that is open and voluntarily, helps me gather personal details about them like the products they buy, brands they like, personality habits, where they shop, hobbies or occupation. Though of course, while still in public space, there is a mutual understanding of regulations to follow, such as going into private property without permission is unacceptable. In my scavenger hunt, I look for furniture or building materials such as wood or card, then will contact my siblings to pick it up. These building materials are for assignments and personal projects when crafting models or building sculptures, all my siblings study Spatial design. As a guest, I am very aware of the competition involved when competing for ‘goods,’ hence, tactical strategies are crucial. Strategies I use include hijacking the item by standing near or holding it, skimming the roads like an bloodthirsty eagle, dispersing my family members out to hunt in different properties, slow pacing my car on the left lane to get a closer view and finally, I would try to befriend the host to negotiate about temporarily keeping the item on their private property, until I await for a pick-up. These strategies are like survival tactics to ensure we seize our prey, being the predator who hunts. Except in this context, the most prized possession is the one most likely to attract conflict from opponents, thus, making ‘first come, first serve’ a rule we obey.

[1] Environment, M. f. t. (2009). Household sector waste to landfill in New Zealand. New Zealand, Ministry for the Environment.

[2] Council, A. (2016). Rubbish and Recycling-Inorganic Collections. New Zealand.