Modest Landfill Charge Increase Despite Pressures

Both Napier City Council and Hastings District Councils have managed to keep Omarunui Landfill charge increases modest next year despite having to cover declining revenues.

The landfill is operated by both councils through the Omarunui Joint Refuse Landfill Committee and at its last meeting it decided waste disposal charges would increase, as of July 1 next year.

The charges at the landfill, excluding the Government Waste Levy, must cover the full cost of operating the facility.

Committee chair and Hastings Councillor, Wayne Bradshaw, says the most significant driver for the price increase is reduced revenue as a result of a decline in waste being deposited at the landfill.

“The landfill is currently on track to receive 76,000 tonnes this financial year and in stark contrast to the 150,000 tonnes received in 2005. Increasingly waste products are being diverted from the landfill as more companies find alternative uses for products such as wood waste, concrete, green waste and packaging and more markets become available for recycling these resources,” Cr Bradshaw says.

“For example Martin Place Recycling Depot, in Havelock North, is collecting 300% more material than it was four years ago, a trend that is forecast to continue,” he says.

“Representatives from both Councils share a vision for the landfill and are committed to consolidating the good work done over recent years. We are working hard to reduce operating and fixed costs to offset the impact of this reduction in waste. However, the price increase is still required so that the landfill can cover its costs,” Cr Bradshaw says.

The $3 increase takes the per tonne rate from $66 to $69 – which includes the Government Waste Levy of $10.

The committee agreed it was important to give contractors plenty of notice so they can plan how they will build the increase into their business.

“We’re pleased that despite this increase Omarunui remains one of the cheapest landfills to dispose at in New Zealand,”

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