Contractors in the Queenstown Lakes District will have just under a month to introduce new waste disposal practices.

"We have spent several months consulting with the industry to gear them up for change in disposal methods and locations," QLDC waste minimisation officer Linda Wright said.

Consultation and "hands on" investigation had identified that inappropriate construction and demolition waste was going to the Victoria Flat Landfill.

"The landfill is a fully lined, engineered landfill that was not designed or anticipated to be filled with inert construction and demolition material," Dr Wright said.

A simple information sheet, highlighting disposal alternatives had been prepared and distributed to known contractors.

"These sheets give a clear guide as to what can go where," Dr Wright said.

The sheets could be collected from the Council or downloaded from the Council website (home page).

"From January 1, 2005 the Victoria Flat Landfill will no longer accept inert construction and demolition material. There are clear alternatives in both Wanaka and Queenstown and that will need to be adhered to by all contractors," she said.

Inert materials included tiles, pavers, asphalt, concrete, ceramics, fibre cement, window glass, masonry blocks and non-metal pipes.

One of the key issues for some contractors was the introduction of a change of culture amongst employees.

"Some contractors already utilise excellent practices, sorting materials on site, while others will need to come up to scratch," Dr Wright said.

The simple rule of thumb was to separate solid inert materials from all others and ensure that material ended up at the appropriate site.

ENDS

For further information please contact Linda Wright 03 441 0499.

By: Kiri