Waste Bylaw

What is the aim of the bylaw?

Under the waste minimisation regulations, all Councils across the Wellington region have a target to reduce landfill waste from an average of 600kg per person to 400kg by 2026.

So, one of the bylaw’s goals is to encourage “recoverable waste” not being sent to landfill.

It will also help capture data to monitor how much of each type of waste goes where.

The bylaw sets out different measures for different waste-streams, all of which will help reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

By setting thresholds, controls and certain exclusions within the bylaw, we aim to take a pragmatic approach, and strike a balance between practicality, regulation and compliance. 

One of the tools to help us reach our target, is that the Ministry for the Environment will increase the landfill waste levy from $10/tonne to $60/tonne by 2026, and will use this levy to help us fund key projects outlined in the WMMP. This will help transition some key industries, and also make waste minimisation more viable.

Why do we need a bylaw?

Many individuals and businesses already have good waste minimisation practices in place, but not all.  We will continue to provide education and support to help improve waste management, but also needs to make this compulsory in certain cases.  This is essential to prevent unwanted waste going to landfill that could be otherwise be diverted.

Also, we need to know the amount of waste going to landfill, or being diverted to better locations.  Data will be collected from some waste partners to help us better understand if we are on-track to meet our waste target, and ways to improve.

Do other Councils have a similar bylaw?

This bylaw is part of a joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP) across the region.  It has been developed in collaboration with all eight Councils across the Wellington region. This ensures that our bylaw is consistent across all Councils, and everyone affected by it.

How will I be affected by the bylaw?

The bylaw is split into a number of different sections may affect different people involved in the collection, transportation, storage, processing and disposal of solid waste:

  • Waste collection from a public place - must be placed in approved containers, and collected from approved locations by a licenced waste collector.
  • Collection points -  you can only dispose of waste at approved collection points e.g. domestic recycling is available at Park Street, and people should deposit clean and separated waste of the approved types only.
  • Multi-unit developments (e.g. Flats and apartment blocks) - Owners/mangers of premises must make adequate provisions to separate, and deposit all types of waste, including organic waste. A waste management plan must be provided to Council which shows how each waste-stream will be managed.
  • Nuisance and litter - No one is permitted to accumulate waste which causes a nuisance, or becomes offensive. Waste should only be placed in appropriate containers, and domestic or business waste must not be disposed of in Council litter bins
  • Junk mail - No unaddressed mail or advertising material is allowed to be deposited in a letterbox marked "No junk mail", or on a vehicle parked in a public place.  Some things are exempt from the bylaw, such as Public notices, notifications about maintenance on utilities, and community newspapers etc.
  • Donation collection points - Anyone wanting to set-up a donation collection point at a public place must notify Council, and ensure the point is kept free from any litter, illegal dumping, or graffiti.
  • Construction and demolition waste  - Projects worth over $2m >will need to submit a waste management plan along with their application for building consent. The plan must include estimated quantities and types of waste, management and disposal for each waste-stream, and steps taken to minimising litter on-site.

At the end of the project, a report must be given to us that shows the types and quantity of waste generated, and how it was disposed of.

  • Events - Any event with over 1,000 people attending it must submit a “waste minimisation plan”.  This will include what volumes and types of waste are expected, and the steps taken to minimise waste going to landfill. After the event, you will also need to report on the types and amounts of waste which were collected.
  • Waste collection operators - Any waste collector who handles more than 20 tonnes of waste a year will need to apply to us to become a licenced waste operator.  We will assess how the operator will help minimise waste going to landfill, and how they will handle and dispose of each waste-stream, and report on volumes and waste type collected.

How will the bylaw be enforced

We will monitor and investigate any non-compliance of the bylaw. Serious breaches could result in a conviction, and a fine.

Contact us

If you have any questions relating to this, you are welcome to contact us:

Tel: 04 527 2169
Email: askus@uhcc.govt.nz

NOTE: The information contained in this document is provided solely for the purpose of helping people to understand the intent, purposes and requirements of the bylaw, but should in no way be considered as legal advice.

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