Central and regional government policy settings
The government’s second Emissions Reduction Plan emphasises targeted investments in resource recovery infrastructure and systems, including construction and demolition waste. It also focuses on improving organic waste disposal methods and enhancing landfill gas capture to effectively reduce emissions.
The government also has a waste strategy Te Rautaki Para, which provides further detail on transitioning towards a circular economy, with the vision that Aotearoa will be a low-emissions, low-waste society, built upon a circular economy by 2050.
Central government funding is currently available for councils to process organic waste and create recovery infrastructure, as well as for the implementation of kerbside organic collections.
The Council’s role
He anamata para kore mō Pōneke – Zero Waste Strategy outlines the Council’s approach to zero waste and circular economy, and intentionally aligns with the Ministry for the Environment’s waste strategy Te Rautaki Para. In February 2024 the Council adopted the 2023-29 Wellington Region Waste Management and Minimisation Plan which builds on this strategy. Two key projects include the introduction of kerbside organic collections, and progressing with a regional organics processing solution.
Sludge solution and food waste diversion
Construction of an innovative sludge minimisation facility Te Whare Wai Para Nuku has started and completion is due in 2026. It will reduce the amount of sludge being sent to the Southern Landfill by up to 80%. The process being introduced will reduce carbon emissions by approximately 60% compared to the current sludge management process. In parallel, the Council is exploring options with iwi and community stakeholders to divert the biosolid produced from landfill completely for beneficial reuse. Once operational, the plant will use the biogas produced as a byproduct of the treatment process as a fuel to power its thermal dryer and steam boilers.
When food waste ends up in a landfill it releases more methane than if it decomposed naturally, for example in a compost bin. Whilst the government has not yet mandated territorial authorities to collect food scraps, the Council has made the decision to proceed with a weekly food scraps and garden waste collection starting in 2027/28. To enable the collection of organic material, an organics processing solution is required.
Partnerships
In partnership with Sustainability Trust, Te Aro Zero Waste is based in the Sustainability Trust’s Forresters Lane location, off Tory Street. This new resource recovery centre offers services similar to the much-loved Tip Shop at the Southern Landfill. It’s a place where people can drop off items for reuse and recycling, and get help fixing things instead of throwing them out. People can also drop off “hard to recycle items” like electronic gear, batteries and plastic/metal lids. Te Aro Zero Waste will increase the estimated 1000 tonnes diverted by the Tip Shop from landfill, and due to its central location minimises emissions from transport.
Education and practical support
Our waste minimisation team continues to support schools, businesses and the wider community to reduce waste through education, campaigns, resources and funding. The focus is on moving towards a circular economy where waste is designed out and the lifespan of products and materials are extended through reuse, repair, refurbishment and recycling. For example, a weekly average of 0.4 tonnes of waste is diverted from the Council’s Tip Shop.