Digging in to waste management
Hamilton’s rubbish will be under the microscope in the coming months as Hamilton City Council prepares to consult on its Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP).
The plan is reviewed every six years and sets the goals and targets used to guide the council towards waste reduction, recovery and avoidance.
It was last approved in 2018 before the rollout of kerbside rubbish and recycling bins. The WMMP takes into consideration waste from demolition and construction, recycling methods and general waste.
The council’s Infrastructure and Transport Committee last week resolved to establish a working group to help with the review of the current WMMP, with a new draft to go out for public feedback later this year.
Once it’s reviewed and people have had a chance to have their say, the new WMMP 2024-2030 will be approved by the council next year.
Some achievements of the current plan include the introduction of the new awardwinning kerbside service which has helped divert more than 11 million kilograms of food waste from landfill.
The Envirowaste Education Room in Te Rapa was also established, where people can see the city’s recycling being sorted and learn how to recycle effectively.
Any opportunity to discuss how Hamilton can battle waste to landfill was always welcomed by Hamilton deputy mayor Angela O’leary.
“There are a few types of waste that we are yet to grapple with that we know will make a difference to the wellbeing of our community, including construction waste, and also exciting opportunities for new technology to battle the waste problem,” she said.
“Getting back to the very basics, we need to also start working at the ‘avoid and reducing’ part of the waste [management process].”
Māori Ward councillor Moko Tauariki acknowledged the commitment of Hamilton City Council staff to include He Pou Manawa Ora [Pillars of Wellbeing], Te Tiriti O Waitangi and our responsibility as kaitiaki of the environment into the review.