The search continues for champion recyclers in the Queenstown Lakes District.

The inaugural Waste Minimisation Awards had continued to prove popular in 2006 with a good number of entries received to date.

"We have decided to extend the closing date one week because we want to see a lot more entries in each category", Queenstown Lakes District Council acting solid waste manager Dr Linda Wright said.

Entries for the awards would now close on Friday October 6, 2006.

With $1500 of prize money up for grabs, entering was well worth the effort.

"The winners of each category would receive $500 prize money to help implement their award winning ideas." Dr Wright said.

The competition categories are: residential, business and young recycler (aged 7-15 years).

Entrants would be required to prepare a plan describing how they currently recycle, what recycling ideas they have for the future, and how the $500 prize money would help implement those future plans.

Entry forms could be downloaded from the home page of the QLDC website or were available at the Wanaka or Queenstown Council offices.

The awards would be presented at the full council meeting in October.

ENDS:

For further information please contact Dr Linda Wright phone 03 441 0499.

By: Sarah