1.2 Purpose of this waste assessment - Waikato District Council

This means integrating waste into economic development plans and initiatives.Building on this, another key part of the zero waste approach is the view that waste is not just a councilproblem but ultimately resides with all sectors of the community to solve. While council, through its statutoryobligations and its traditional involvement in waste issues, has a natural leadership role, it is vital that part ofthis role entails securing the commitment of all sectors, and ensuring that there are clear action plans for eachsector to follow.It is proposed that part of the council’s role may be to provide appropriate regulatory and economic incentiveframeworks to steer activity. 16In addition to the above it is proposed that council continue to provide a range of waste management andminimisation services similar to those in place currently.The council’s role is likely to be wide-ranging therefore and is expected to encompass the following:• Leadership in advocating zero waste in the community, including establishing partnerships and informationsharing as appropriate• Integration of zero waste into economic development, policy and planning• Integration of zero waste and local economic development impacts into council procurement policies• Development and monitoring of an appropriate framework of regulation and incentives• Monitoring and enforcement of waste related bylaws and legislation• Gathering, analysis and reporting of waste data• Provision (either directly or through contracts) of kerbside refuse and recycling collection services, transferstation operations, drop off facilities, and communication and education• Development of new services as appropriate• Development of waste management and minimisation plans• Advocating policy positions to central government, neighbouring authorities, and private and communityorganisations that are consistent with the councils zero waste objectivesIt is expected that the implementation of these proposals will meet forecast demand for services as well assupport the council’s goals and objectives for waste management and minimisation. These goals and objectiveswill be confirmed as part of the development and adoption of the Waste Management and Minimisation Planprior to July 2012.16 Although there is concern that a stronger approach to regulatory and economic instrument tools might encouragemore unwanted activities such as illegal dumping, there is also a recognition that a stronger approach is probablyrequired to achieve a significant difference in waste going to landfill.46