Help Council deal to waste

Don’t miss the chance to help the Western Bay deal with waste better in the construction sector and at large events.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is currently reviewing its Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw review and there is just one week left for the Western Bay community to share their thoughts on the changes being considered.

“Gases released by landfills are a major contributor to New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions. By diverting waste from landfill, we can check two environmental boxes; fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and more efficient use of resources,” says Council’s Policy Analyst Tom Rutherford.

The review suggests two significant changes that may help the Western Bay of Plenty District to divert more waste from landfill.

• Requiring large events (over 500 people) to prepare waste management and minimisation plans.
• Enabling a future requirement for construction sites to prepare a waste management plan (subject to further consultation).

Waste from construction and demolition in the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region creates around 9.8 percent of all waste sent to landfill – approximately 8,535 tonnes per year (based on a 2016 Waste Assessment). However, materials like concrete, timber, plasterboard, brick, and metal are recoverable and can be reused.

However, Tom says more engagement is needed with the local construction industry to determine what types of building works should be subject to this requirement. “This change will have a large impact on the sector, and our future work in this space will need to identify appropriate facilities for construction and demolition waste across the District.”

The proposed changes to large events will include the use of recyclable, compostable and reusable materials, which when disposed of correctly can help decrease the total waste sent to landfill.

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

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.

Feedback on Council’s Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw review closes Friday 26 November.