Western Bay of Plenty District Council is calling on people to have their say about how waste is dealt with in the district.

There’s one week left to join the kōrero on whether the proposed plan to take our management of waste to the next level is on the right track, with Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan.

Feedback closes at 5pm on Sunday, December 10.

Reviewed every six years, the plan is council's commitment to continue to improve the way waste is managed and to achieve the vision of minimising waste that goes to landfill.

As part of its plan, council wants to explore providing the community with even better services like looking at what waste infrastructure is needed, what additional services will best help communities deal with waste they’ve said is an issue, setting up community grants for local waste minimisation initiatives and so much more.

The community is passionate when it comes to waste and exploring further opportunities, with some great views coming through, says council’s policy analyst, Charlotte McGirr.

“It's awesome to see the community's views on waste management and contributing to make our environment better.

“In particular, there is a real interest in exploring the establishment of Resource Recovery Centres for our District, support for waste education  and an optional greenwaste collection service.

“It’s not a waste of time to join the kōrero.

“We love getting your views and it’s so important to help us make the best decisions for our communities.

“There’s still time to make your voice heard and make sure we build on success such as our kerbside service, mobile recycling trailers and waste education, and make it easier for our community to do even more,” she says.

Council has got lots of great community feedback about waste already through the Your Place Tō wāhi consultation process, held earlier this year.

People shared their views particularly about the challenges to dispose of greenwaste, e-waste, soft plastics and large inorganic items.

The issues raised have been incorporated into the draft Plan, with a commitment to investigate and implement alternative options.

“You’ve told us that there’s a pressing need for more waste infrastructure within the Western Bay of Plenty, not just for residential waste but for construction and demolition waste – and we’re looking into that too,” says Charlotte.

The draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan is aligned with the New Zealand Waste Strategy - Te rautaki papa, which sets the national direction for how we make, use, manage and dispose of things. 

The draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan includes:

• Six key themes including education, infrastructure, collaboration and leadership, monitoring and reporting, regulations and services. 
• Some clear objectives and an action plan for the next six years, along with targets to measure progress and a plan for funding. 
• A proposal to establish an annual contestable fund to provide community grants for local waste minimisation initiatives.

How to join the kōrero

Western Bay’s draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan is available for you to read and give feedback via the following options:

• Online, wānanga ipurangi - head to the Have your Say web page to check out the draft plan – haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz/wmmp
• Hard copy, pepa mārō – printed feedback forms are available at all council library and service centres, and recycling centres.

• Face to face, kanohi ki te kanohi – speak to your feedback with your Elected Members:
• Date: Thursday 14 December
• Venue: Council chambers, Western Bay of Plenty District Council
• Email haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz to register your interest 

Feedback closes 5pm Sunday 10 December.