Council to review how it tackles waste

Christchurch City Council is planning a major review of how it manages and minimises the city’s waste.

“Our existing Waste Minimisation and Management Plan (WMMP) is seven years old and needs reviewing to reflect the current climate and the new challenges and opportunities that have emerged in managing the waste stream,’’ says Council Resource Recovery Manager Ross Trotter.

“Staff will be bringing a report to Thursday’s Extraordinary Council meeting confirming that a review of the 2013 plan and waste audit have been completed, as required under the Waste Minimisation Act. They will also provide an update on the process and timeframes for the 2020 plan.”

 The review will include an assessment of the future demand for waste collection and resource recovery services.

“The global market for recyclables, particularly plastics and fibre, is changing and that will need to be factored into new WMMP. Should we implement product stewardship schemes for problem waste streams? Should we phase out low value and hard to recycle plastics? These are just some of the issues that we are going to have to explore,’’ Mr Trotter says.

Feedback from the community will be invited as part of the review process.

“We will be seeking feedback from other organisations and the community so that we can make sure the final plan is well-informed and generally supported by our businesses and residents,’’ Mr Trotter says.

“We are aiming to release a draft Waste Minimisation and Management Plan in August for people to consider and make submissions on.’’