1.2 Purpose of this waste assessment - Waikato District Council

7.0 Statement ofoptions7.1 Addressing demandThe areas of demand have been identified in sections 6.2.1 to 6.2.7. In the sections below, options foraddressing the areas of demand are outlined and the potential role for council discussed.7.1.1 Data and monitoringMore reliable data and monitoring of waste in the district will make it easier for the council to deliver itsstrategic waste management responsibilities as set out in the WMA. The council is also the best placed agencyto deliver data collection and monitoring through its ability to pass a bylaw that requires waste operators toprovide information.The council should take a lead agency role in this area as they require the information for waste management,and has the tools to require that the information be provided.At present there is limited ability for the council to access data outside of council controlled waste streams.Accessing this data may require a licensing regime to be established.7.1.2 RegulationThe regulatory tool predominantly used by local authorities to manage waste is the bylaw.A waste bylaw could simply require waste operators to provide information, as discussed above, or morestringent requirements could be put in place such as compulsory recycling, separating waste streams forrecycling, extended litter and illegal dumping controls, and control of cleanfills.The community’s view on the extent of a waste bylaw should be assessed through the WMMP consultationprocess by proposing a range of areas which could be addressed through a bylaw. However the council shouldalso agree a minimum level of control they wish to achieve through a bylaw. The bylaw previously in place inthe Franklin district, which addresses definitions, receptacles, waste placement, collection arrangements, illegaldumping and litter, and licensing could be used as a minimum guideline. A regulatory approach could also beused to encourage or require businesses to manage their waste better, although better data and monitoringwould probably be required before this step could be taken.The council will need to take a lead agency role in this area as they are the only agency with the necessarypowers.It is worthwhile emphasising the potential impact of neighbouring areas on the need to introduce regulationand enforcement. This is particularly the case with regard to cleanfills. Auckland Council’s waste assessmentincludes a proposal to introduce a bylaw regulating cleanfills. If this is implemented it could precipitate themigration of significant quantities of material out of Auckland – in particular material that does not fit thedefinition of cleanfill material under the potential bylaw. In other words such a move could result in theuncontrolled disposal of large quantities of potentially harmful material into the Waikato district. It wouldtherefor, be prudent to monitor the situation in surrounding areas and ensure that regulations and enforcementare at least comparable to neighbouring districts.7.1.3 Waste streamsA significant amount of waste could be diverted from landfill by introducing new collections, altering existingcollection services, and enhancing separation of materials at transfer stations. Waste streams that have potentialfor enhanced diversion include:• Food waste42