Tell Us Your Views on Waste…

Dunedin (Friday, 28 June 2013) – The public has a chance to comment on how Dunedin should deal with its waste in the future, with the release of a proposed strategic document.

Public submissions on the Proposed Waste Management and Minimisation Plan open on Monday and close at 4pm on 29 July.

DCC Waste Strategy Officer Catherine Irvine says the proposed Plan took direction and guidance not only from legislation, but from stakeholders, through focus groups, and from elected members via an appointed steering group.

“These contributions have come together to provide a holistic perspective of waste management and minimisation for the city. The aim is to continue to build these and other working relationships so the Plan can be owned by the community it serves.”

Things have changed since the DCC last prepared a strategic document about waste management and minimisation, including the introduction of new services and facilities and, most significantly, the change in focus at a national level.

In 2008, the Waste Minimisation Act was introduced, followed by a complete overhaul of the New Zealand Waste Strategy in 2010. The new legislation requires all territorial authorities to conduct a waste assessment in their districts and to review their operative waste management and minimisation plans.

Following a review of progress, the DCC clarified its position and established the direction it wished to take in this area and the proposed Plan is now available for public feedback.

Ms Irvine says the Plan capitalises on what the DCC already knows and does well, but it also identifies and addresses areas where improvements can be made. It also casts the net wider than just the DCC’s facilities and services, taking an overarching view of the city and encouraging engagement and participation from everyone.

The proposed Plan presents an opportunity to consider how the DCC, waste and recycling operators, businesses and individuals can work together so Dunedin can have a zero waste future.

ENDS

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