Background

Managing waste is a community issue and a journey everyone needs to be on. Solid waste management now and into the future is paramount. While we need infrastructure to meet waste requirements, our focus also needs to be on waste minimisation, with everyone encouraged to take responsibility for their own waste generation and actively be better kaitiaki. If everyone makes an effort to reduce their waste, it will result in less waste to manage and, therefore, lower costs while protecting our natural environment.

Waste minimisation is broader than recycling. It is about preventing waste from being created, reducing consumption, reusing where we can, recycling, and recovering resources where possible. This approach requires a shift in mindset towards valuing resources and understanding the impact of waste on the environment. By focusing on waste minimisation, we can significantly decrease the volume of waste that ends up in landfills.

• Reducing waste begins with mindful consumption. Choosing products with minimal packaging, and opting for reusable items over single-use products, are practical steps everyone can take.
• Reusing items is another crucial aspect of waste minimisation. Before discarding items, consider if they can be repurposed, donated, or repaired.
• Recycling remains an essential component, but it should not be the sole focus. it is crucial to understand the limitations of recycling and prioritise waste reduction and reuse first.
• Recovering resources includes composting organic waste (see decision 3). It not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills but also produces garden compost.

The Council is actively doing what it can to reduce waste, by investigating improvements to kerbside recycling services (see decision 3), supporting the Agrecovery container programme and waste minimisation initiatives such as Para Kore.

If we focus on reducing, reusing, recycling, and recovering, landfill disposal becomes the last option.

Our current landfill cell is nearing the end of its usable life, and an alternative option will need to be found, whilst we continue to work on a more efficient waste minimisation plan. Council is considering options to either develop a new landfill cell at the current site or move to an out-of-district disposal model. Increasing our waste minimisation strategies can delay the need for new landfill cells, reduce environmental impact, and foster a culture of sustainability within the community.

Option 1 - Development of a new landfill cell

Development of a new landfill cell in Wairoa with high environmental standards including gas capture equipment installed. Gas capture equipment is required by legislation and reduces the amount of methane released into the atmosphere. There are ongoing capital cost of $1.7 million every 5 years subject to waste minimisation strategies being implemented successfully.

Due to these high environmental standards, capital costs increase significantly and is therefore the more expensive option. This option also includes upgrading of the current Fraser Street transfer station to handle the processing of food and garden organic waste. (see decision 3).

Cost: $7,525,504 split over 3 years

	Capital	Operating
2024/25	$2,636,191	$784,000
2025/26	$600,000	$1,235,176
2026/27	$1,200,000	$1,033,176

Impact on rates: $987,264 (over 3 years)

Impact on debt: $2,853,065 (over 3 years)

Option 2 - Out of district disposal - Preferred option

This will involve closing the existing landfill cell and transitioning to a transfer station only model with waste being disposed at an out of district landfill.

This option improves the diversion of waste from landfill and improves our environmental performance. This option ensures this critical public facility is safe and fit for purpose. However, it does not align with the preference of our mana whenua for our council to find a local solution to our rapidly filling Wairoa Landfill.

A transfer station would allow a greater focus on waste minimisation, diversion, and achieving the goals of the Waste Minimisation and Management Plan.

Cost: $6,495,853 split over 3 years

	Capital	Operating
2024/25	$2,636,191	$784,000
2025/26	$550,000	$1,235,000
2026/27	$302,000	$988,000

Impact on rates: $987,264 (over 3 years)

Impact on debt: 1,868,096 (over 3 years)