2 February 2022
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Council's proposed waste management plan
Enquiry
I had a couple of questions I was hoping to have answered for a story I am writing for tomorrow's Rotorua Daily Post on the proposed waste plan.
I was wondering if there was any idea as to how much the planned actions, including the drop-off facility and kerbside organic collection, would cost? Are there any examples in other councils that could be used, or were used, as a comparison?
Were any comparisons used for how these actions could be implemented?
Is there any idea as to how setting up these actions would be funded? I see the drop-off would be user-pays, but how is it to be set up given it was expected to be achieved by 2023/2024?
Any other relevant comment or information?
Response
From DCE Environmental and Infrastructure Solutions Stavros Michael:
A kerbside organic waste collection was indicated as a priority for Council through the Long-Term Plan 2021-2031, and Climate Action Plan 2021.
Council is currently investigating a number of options for an organic waste kerbside collection, similar to what we have seen in other cities in New Zealand. We are working towards organic waste disposal solutions that are fit for our community, based on recent waste data from Rotorua and feedback we’ll be seeking during the public consultation process in early 2022. (For your information, you can find the waste data in the appendix of the Waste Management and Minimisation 2022-2028 consultation document.)
Many of the priority actions in the proposed Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2022-2028 are improving on Council’s existing waste management and minimisation services to reduce the city’s waste output and impact on the environment.
Currently, Council waste activities are 20% funded by general rates, and 80% funded by targeted rates. Central Government supports Council by providing around $250,000 for waste minimisation services for the Rotorua community.