Report: TR 2007/44

Author: Sinclair Knight Merz Ltd

Abstract

A stocktake of reasonably readily available information about solid waste and recovered materials flows and facilities in the Waikato region was undertaken. This involved key stakeholders: local authorities, waste and recycling companies and the broader business community. An assessment of materials that could be recovered included consideration of the capacity in the region for that product to be handled or processed and the capability or level of expertise and technology available for collection, sorting or processing of materials. Key changes in the 'waste landscape' were identified along with strategic opportunities for improvement.

Maps were produced showing an overview of 1) the main general waste and recycling commodity flows around and beyond the region, and 2) the organic waste flows. The waste collection and disposal market is governed by landfill location and transport distance/cost rather than local authority boundaries so the Waikato receives and contributes waste to its neighbouring areas. The composition of municipal Waikato waste was similar to that found in national estimates.

While volumes of products captured for recycling is increasing, the volume of municipal waste disposed to landfill is reasonably stable. This volume is matched by a similar amount to unconsented and consented cleanfills with an additional volume of waste disposed to dedicated industrial waste landfills. Notably, the greatest volumes of waste being produced are outside the direct management of the district councils and the volumes of some waste types to be diverted from landfill are falling behind the level needed to meet the targets in the New Zealand Waste Strategy. The largest volumes of waste diverted from landfill are waste from the wood processing industry being used as boiler fuel and the land application of high strength organic wastes from dairy and meat processing.

Greenwaste offers the greatest scope for improved recovery if barriers to the collection of garden and wood waste and their use in composting and bioenergy can be overcome. Similar potential exists for other organic wastes such as food and other processing wastes, and biosolids. Construction and demolition waste is the second large-volume waste with potential for recovery.

A series of follow up actions are recommended for Waikato local authorities and major organic waste generators from further, more detailed, review of options for organic waste streams through to developing a comprehensive regional waste infrastructure investment plan.

Waikato Regional Waste Infrastructure Stocktake and Strategic Assessment [PDF, 557 KB]