A Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP) sets out how Council believes we, as a community, should be managing and minimising waste in the district - not just household waste, but the waste that comes from our businesses and industries too.

The Waste Minimisation Act requires councils to review their WMMP every six years because community needs and expectations change and so does the waste industry. We need to update our Plan to adapt to these opportunities.

The draft WMMP sets out the activities we'll undertake over the coming six years.

Key activities outlined out in draft WMMP:

1. A full review of waste services in the district - this is called a Section 17A review and would be a full evaluation of solid waste services in the district - collection, costs, any opportunities for regional or shared services. It is a huge undertaking and an opportunity to consider all sorts of changes and improvements - bags or bins? Weekly or fortnightly? Central collection points or kerbside collection? This review is an opportunity to think differently.
2. Better monitoring and evaluation - council would develop a performance measurement framework, including clear key performance indicators (KPIs), more robust waste data collection, and integration of emissions reporting.
3. Support community-led initiatives - council would fund or facilitate things like community composting hubs, repair cafés, Zero Waste events, or could partner with iwi and community groups to deliver locally-tailored waste solutions.
4. Better education on waste minimisation - a district-wide waste education plan for places like schools, community groups, and businesses. It would promote waste minimisation, proper recycling, and circular economy practices and would incorporate Māori perspectives and tikanga in education delivery.
5. More resource recovery - council would investigate upgrades to infrastructure to help minimise waste at the Recovery Centres, for example, a re-use shop and finding ways to divert organics from the waste stream.
6. Better regulatory framework -council would establish a waste operator licensing system requiring all waste collectors and facility operators (including private ones) to be licensed and report data to Council. The aim is to improve data quality and ensure compliance with waste bylaws and strategy goals.