Changes to construction and event waste proposed in waste bylaw review
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is looking at how to deal with waste better in the construction and demolition sector and at large events.
This work is part of Council’s Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw review out for public feedback from today.
The new bylaw proposes a framework to minimise waste from events, construction and demolition. It also addresses bylaw implementation issues to enable effective enforcement and supports Council’s Kerbside Collective waste collection service, implemented 1 July this year.
Council Policy Analyst Tom Rutherford says the construction and demolition waste stream presents the next biggest opportunity to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill for the District.
Waste generated from construction and demolition activities in the western Bay of Plenty sub-region creates around 9.8 percent of all waste to landfill – approximately 8535 tonnes per year (based on a 2016 Waste Assessment).
“Construction and demolition can generate substantial quantities of waste material, much of which is recoverable, such as concrete, timber, plasterboard, brick, and metal,” says Tom.
“The proposed changes to the bylaw enable a future requirement for site waste management plans. More engagement is needed with the local construction sector, to determine what types of building works should be subject to this requirement.”
Council is also aware that more work needs to be done sub-regionally to identify appropriate facilities for construction and demolition waste.
Council is also proposing that significant events (of more than 500 people) prepare an Event Waste Management and Minimisation Plan, to ensure improved disposal of waste. This includes the use of recyclable, compostable and reusable material at these events to decrease the total waste sent to landfill.
“These proposed changes will mean Council can provide more consistency in the way we regulate waste and removes the risk of the District becoming a dumping ground for hard to deal with waste coming from people or industries,” says Tom.
Council’s Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw covers matters relating to waste management and minimisation in the District. Its key purpose is to promote waste management and minimisation objectives and support the implementation of Council’s Waste Management and Minimisation Plan, particularly where Council does not have direct control of the waste stream.
There are three options for people to give feedback
- Visit our website and take part in our digital survey haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz/waste-bylaw-review
- Pop into any of our Library and Service Centres in the District to fill in a feedback form, or email haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz
- Present to Councillors in Council chambers on Thursday 9 December. To register, email haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz before Tuesday 7 December
Feedback on Council’s Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw review closes Friday 26 November.
