DATED: 3 April 2008

Version: 2007 State of the Environment Report

4. Solid Waste Management

Summary

RPS objectives

• To reduce the amount of waste produced and associated disposal needs.
• To ensure that efficient and environmentally sound collection systems are available for the treatment and disposal of wastes.

Pressures and state

• The volumes of solid wastes requiring disposal in the region are increasing.
• No major landfills are operating in the region.
• There has been a slight increase in the number of incidents of illegal rubbish dumping and smoke nuisance from backyard burning of rubbish, possibly associated with the introduction of user pays disposal fees.
• Costs of transporting wastes outside the region for disposal are increasing.

Doing well

• Increasing awareness of the effects of solid waste disposal has led to better disposal practices.
• All substandard disposal sites have been closed.
• Kerbside collection of recyclable materials is established in both Whangarei and Far North Districts, with substantial increases in the amount being recycled.
• All monitored operational and closed landfills met their resource consent conditions for the last five years.
• The Northland region has met the majority of targets in the New Zealand Waste Strategy where the target date has already been passed.
• Have started the promotion of cleaner production schemes with local industry.

Areas for improvement

• Currently there are significant numbers of Northlanders that do not have access to recycling facilities, particularly in the Kaipara District.
• Continue to reduce the quantities of waste going to landfill, by increasing the amount recycled or reused.
• As a region need to continue to work towards the targets in the New Zealand Waste Strategy.
• Reduce the number of incidents of illegal waste dumping and burning.