A vision of a zero-waste future is just one of the drivers behind Auckland Council’s recently introduced Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw 2019.
The bylaw, which takes effect from 25 October 2019, more clearly sets out what individuals and businesses can and can’t do with their waste.
“We send more than 1.6 million tonnes of waste to landfill each year in Auckland – that’s more than a tonne per person,” says Auckland Mayor Phil Goff.
“This new bylaw clearly sets out how we should dispose of our waste to ensure that it is recycled or repurposed where possible rather than taken straight to landfill. Part of this is about enabling Aucklanders to compost in our communities and outlining to businesses, event organisers and multi-unit developments their responsibilities for managing and minimising waste. We all need to reduce the impact of our waste.”
The bylaw also outlines rules relating to:
- composting
- burial of dead animals
- unaddressed mail
- shopping trolley removal
- storage and collection areas for disposed of or discarded material
- trading, event and filming activities taking place in council-controlled public places
- certain existing and planned multi-unit developments
- approvals for waste collectors and operators of waste management facilities, resource recovery facilities and donation collection bins.
The council’s Trading and Events in Public Places Bylaw 2015 has also been amended to better align with the new waste bylaw from 25 October 2019.
Chair of the Regulatory Committee, Councillor Linda Cooper said:
“Feedback around the need to allow for a range of existing composting activities was overwhelming so we’ve listened and made it easier for people to understand both what they can do.”
“We owe it to each other and our environment to better manage and minimise our waste. From a single household to a big business, no one has an excuse for not disposing of waste properly.”
To read a draft copy of the bylaw go to aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/bylaws .
