Citycare Reduces Chemical Use

Every year thousands of litres of chemicals are used in cleaning our public toilet facilities. While facility managers have strict protocols around managing chemical use, the ideal scenario is to minimise or cut out chemical use where possible. This provides a challenging balance between making sure the facilities are clean and reducing the use of more toxic chemicals.

“Citycare has responsibility for managing the 380 public facilities on behalf of Christchurch City Council and we are always looking for ways to minimise our chemical use. Late last year we began to investigate alternative cleaning options and as a result, we have been able to cut our chemical use down by approximately 4060 litres per year in Christchurch public facilities. The introduction of a new, more sustainable, cleaning product has meant less disposal of chemicals through the wastewater system and less exposure to chemicals for staff involved in cleaning and the public using the facilities,” said Nige Cottingham, Executive GM Strategy and Growth, Citycare.

Citycare is now using products that are a blend of naturally occurring enzymes that break down oils and greases making it easier for natural bacteria to consume organic waste matter and odours. They are non-toxic, biodegradable and environmentally friendly.