Response

The Council has introduced waste minimisation and recycling strategies at Council landfills and transfer stations and residents receive information about waste reduction through advertising in the local newspaper. Council has prepared a Solid Waste Management Strategy for the District along with landfill management plans for the Morrinsville and Matamata landfills which include details of landfill monitoring programmes. Council has recently installed two weigh bridges and a weighing device at its sites to accurately monitor and record waste tonnages. A freephone number is also available for any enquiries regarding recycling, refuse collection and disposal of solid waste.

Environment Waikato, through its environmental education programme, encourages waste reduction and recycling. Landfills within the region must comply with certain standards to protect and enhance the environment and resource consents are required to ensure minimum standards are met and maintained.

In addition, Environment Waikato launched a region-wide programme called “Target Zero Waste” in August 1998. This programme is a

business training programme encouraging the development of partnerships between businesses to implement cleaner production techniques at no cost.

What you can do to help

• Compost green waste at home for use in the garden
• Recycle glass, paper, metal and plastic. Take used oil to collection centres
• Reduce the amount of packaging. Buy products with less packing or buy in bulk
• Ensure that private solid waste disposal is undertaken in an appropriate manner
• Join a "Target Zero Waste" programme