The retail sector is one of the largest commercial sectors in Waitakere City, as well as throughout the country. As many retailers in general operate small businesses their activities and resource use has been difficult to quantify and improve.
Some wastes can present significant environmental risks.
In addition a large amount of the waste at retail stores is packaging, a substantial proportion of which is passed onto consumers. This Green Retail Guide is aimed at retailers who are interested in improving their environmental business practices. The 'Clean Retail' programme is a joint initiative between Waitakere City Council, the Ministry for the Environment and St. Lukes Group, which began in 1996. The aim of 'Clean Retail' is to introduce environmental business practices to all retailers in Waitakere City.