Case Study

Solid Waste Management Strategy

In 1990 Council initiated a forward planning programme for the management of solid waste. Landfills within the district were approaching their ‘use by’ dates and alternative waste management options needed to be identified.

Long Term Management Strategy

A long-term management strategy has been developed, which includes the disposal of solid waste to an out of District landfill and the construction of transfer stations, waste minimisation and kerbside recycling.

Recycling

Kerbside recycling is carried out on a one- product-per-week basis for glass, plastic, paper and cans, the most economically viable system for a district with three main centres and a small population of 29,500.

Waste Minimisation

Waste minimisation was significantly helped when green waste was removed from the waste stream reducing the annual waste volume by 7,500 tonnes. Recycling and waste minimisation has resulted in the district’s landfill waste being just 340kg per person per year as opposed to the regional average of 598kg.

Transfer Stations

Council operates transfer stations at Waihou and Morrinsville. Currently Council, in co-operation with Hauraki District Council, operate a contracted mobile shredder for green waste disposal. In the future there may be a need to establish a more comprehensive joint initiative between the Councils or for Matamata-Piako District Council to set up its own composting operation.

Kerbside Recycling

Kerbside recycling is likely to change to all recyclables being collected each week as the community has expressed this in preference to having to store three of the four categories of recyclables for a month between collections. Council is to continue with kerbside recycling despite see-sawing prices for plastic and glass, and the financial incentives paid to the contractor. The Council intends to boost community participation in recycling through a comprehensive educational programme. In this way Council will be well placed to ensure less solid waste is being disposed of at landfills.