Media statement 13 June 2002 1 page

City waste plan deserves a fair hearing, water and waste manager says

Paul Connett’s criticism of Christchurch City’s plans for dealing with solid waste are misinformed, says Mike Stockwell, manager of water and waste for the Christchurch City Council.

Commenting on reported remarks by the visiting American, Mr Stockwell says it appears Dr Connett has not been well briefed about the city’s waste policies.

“We welcome debate about this issue so it’s a shame he’s not had a decent briefing. A lot of what he’s saying we agree with and, in fact, are already doing,” Mr Stockwell says.

The Council is putting significant effort into making sure material which can be reused or recycled does not end up in a landfill and is working to teach people and organisations about generating less waste. It has plans to do more and its contracts with waste disposal operators include clauses on working together on waste minimisation.

Mr Stockwell agrees with Dr Connett that nil waste, or close to it, is a goal that can be reached. In the meantime, a new environmentally safe landfill is a necessity.

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