Buller District Council makes key decision for the future of waste minimisation and management

Councillors made several decisions yesterday regarding the future of the Regional Waste Minimisation and Management Plan.

The Waste Minimisation Management Plan (WMMP) is the guiding document for promoting waste management and minimisation within a district or region.

Group Manager Infrastructure Services Michael Aitken explains: “The existing West Coast Regional WMMP was developed in 2018 in partnership with Westland and Grey District Council and we have to review it every six years.”

At their meeting yesterday, councillors endorsed working again with the neighbouring West Coast Councils to develop a regional 2024 – 2030 WMMP. Central government encourages this approach.  

Mr Aitken outlines: “There are many challenges and opportunities connected with waste management in rural regions and having a West Coast approach will avoid duplication, identify regional opportunities for waste management, develop regional waste infrastructure, and boost economies of scale.”

In preparation for the WMMP update, the three councils have undertaken a West Coast Regional Waste Assessment 2024 that describes the current situation regarding waste in the region. The council also adopted this assessment and its findings in yesterday's meeting.

The assessment outlines relevant legislation, policies, and central government activities that the WMMP must consider.

In line with the Waste Minimisation Act 2008, the Medical Officer of Health was consulted and invited to provide feedback on the West Coast Regional Waste Assessment 2024.

Mr Aitken highlights: “Based on the information gathered in the Waste Assessment, the feedback from the Medical Officer of Health, and the guidance from our Councillors, council staff will now prepare a draft regional Waste Minimisation and Management Plan 2024-2030 over the coming three months.”

The WMMP will align with the 2023 Te rautaki para - National Waste Strategy as the Waste Management Act 2008 requires.

The West Coast community will be invited to give feedback on the draft during a consultation scheduled for late 2024. After hearings and deliberations in early 2025, the final WMMP 2024-2030 will be adopted by March 2025.

The existing Regional WMMP 2018 can be viewed on council’s website.

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact:
Community Engagement Team  
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz