A detailed review, including community consultation, will be undertaken of the 2003 Waste Management Strategy that led to services like kerbside recycling in the Queenstown Lakes District.

“Over seven years ago the Council undertook a highly successful ‘roadshow’ through the district, which culminated in the adoption of the strategy. Seven years on it is time to review that strategy with the community,” QLDC solid waste manager Stefan Borowy said.

Since its inception the strategy has seen the delivery of a number of exciting new district-wide initiatives including:

• Council contracts for kerbside recycling collection in Wanaka and Wakatipu
• Council contracts for processing recyclables in Wanaka and Wakatipu.
• Seven rural refuse and recycling drop-off points constructed.
• Council contract for mulching green waste in Kingston, Glenorchy, Luggate, Lake Hawea and Makarora.
• Council contract for crushing glass to be used in the district’s road base.
• Green waste drop-off introduced at Frankton Transfer Station.
• Introduction of the landfill levy to fund waste minimisation initiatives.
• More rubbish disposal options for residents (30 litre and 60 litre bags, 120 litre and 240 litre wheelie bins).
• Banned clean fill material from being disposed of in the landfill.

The most outstanding initiative has been the doubling of the district-wide diversion of recycling from the landfill, going from 13% in 2006/07 to 26% in 2009/10.

“We want to now build on these successes and take a strategic look at the future of waste management in the district,” Mr Borowy said.

The Solid Waste Working Party would meet over the next ten months to undertake the review, which is a central government requirement (completed by 2012).

“Community consultation and communication are considered by the working party as key to a successful review of the strategy and if required, development of a Solid Waste Bylaw,” Mr Borowy said.

Things to ‘think about’ would include affordability, sustainability, value for money, changing markets and a current target of 35% diversion from landfill.

The conversation with the community on the future direction of waste management was not scheduled to take place until after the local government elections (9 October).

“Generally the review will set out what has been achieved under the current strategy, review any ‘learnings’ and seek feedback for the future,” he said.

ENDS
For further information please contact Stefan Borowy 03 441 0499.

By: Rebecca