Trash Palace Recycling and Education Centre, Porirua City, Wellington

About Trash Palace

Our Mission

To provide rehabilitation and vocational training services for people with mental health needs, with a sustainability focus.

Our Vision 
To lead social and employment outcomes for people with mental health needs in the Porirua and Wellington region, through business partnerships which help our environment and support our community.

About Us
Trash Palace is run by Mana recovery, a non-profit organisation based in Porirua, was established in 1996 to provide vocational rehabilitation programmes to people with mental health needs, after the closure of the long-stay wards at Porirua Psychiatric Hospital.

After identifying that there was great difficulty for the people that we support (our trainees) to move beyond our programmes into paid employment, Mana Recovery developed a range of small business initiatives in partnerships with the Porirua City Council and local businesses, focused around sustainability. Through these initiatives, Mana Recovery offer services that assist our trainees to develop socially, gain employment skills and work ethics, building confidence and the opportunity to rehabilitate back into the community.

Our People
Trainees at Mana Recovery can transition to work in supported and paid employment at Trash Palace, with the goal of moving into mainstream employment. Transitioned employees were asked “What were the benefits of working for Trash Palace?” Nearly every person replied that the social interaction was a critical component to having a “sense of belonging” in a “non-judgemental environment”. Undoubtedly this is a major factor in rehabilitation.

Our Jewel
Former Mayor of Porirua Jenny Brash says ‘Trash Palace is the jewel in the crown of Porirua City Council's environmental programmes’. Trash Palace has become a New Zealand icon and has international acclaim as a successful model of resource recovery others want to replicate. We are unique due to the special blend of environmental objectives, social responsibility and strong partnerships and support of local council, businesses and community. 
www.manarecovery.org.nz/