New plan aims to reduce New Zealand's waste going to landfill.
The Government has unveiled a new strategy to tackle waste management in New Zealand, with the goal of reducing environmental and economic harm. Minister for the Environment Penny Simmonds says the government will work alongside various sectors, businesses, iwi/Maori, local governments, and communities to achieve this objective.
According to Ms Simmonds, one of the key priorities is to modernise waste legislation, allowing for more flexibility in managing waste effectively. Additionally, the government plans to invest the waste disposal levy to maximize its impact. The strategy also aims to reduce waste emissions, improve resource recovery facilities, and minimize environmental harm caused by contaminated sites.
Changes to existing policies will support the strategy while minimizing impacts on the cost of living. For instance, councils will now have more control over kerbside waste collections, with ratepayers not being burdened with increased costs. Ms Simmonds emphasizes that everyone has a role in reducing waste and waste emissions, highlighting the importance of industry-led schemes and community involvement.
The new strategy includes several key initiatives, such as introducing product stewardship schemes, regulating farm plastics and agrichemicals, and supporting councils to introduce kerbside collections through the Waste Minimisation Fund. As part of this effort, the government will work with stakeholders in the agricultural sector to address these pressing issues.