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Otago Daily Times
16-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Food waste a headache for councils
There are no easy solutions to managing food waste, Kaikōura district councillors were told at a workshop on June 11. The viability of the kerbside collection of food waste is one of the questions being considered as part of the Kaikōura District Council's Waste Management and Minimisation Plan review. Kaikōura District Council senior advisor Dave Clibbery compared the waste management plans of 17 councils to help begin the review. Managing food waste is a challenge for councils around the country, he said. ''A lot of food waste is still going to landfill. It used to be that not many councils had ways to capture food waste, but now a number do have food waste schemes. ''Processing food waste is harder than processing green waste because of the smell, which can deter people from using the service and the relatively high cost.'' The Kaikōura district produced around 30kg of food waste per person each year, similar to large urban areas such as Auckland. Around 60 tonnes a year of food waste is processed through Innovative Waste Kaikōura, Clibbery said. But the use of the fortnightly kerbside collection service is low, as 95 percent of food waste is brought directly to the resource recovery centre. Several councils, including Wellington City Council, are encouraging home composting in preference to kerbside collection. Overall Kaikōura compared favourably with other parts of the country, sending 400kg of rubbish to landfill compared to the national average of 600kg. ''But we need to recognise we don't have the volume of building waste compared to large urban areas,'' Clibbery said. ''Auckland Council seems to be most innovative, with a target of zero waste to landfill by 2040, but even they realise there is only so much councils can do. ''Councils are really the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. Serious waste minimisation requires action by central Government.'' Some options for Kaikōura to consider include establishing a repair cafe and promoting waste minimisation and recycling efforts. There are now 75 repair cafes around the country, including the Amberley Repair Cafe, which help to reduce waste and provide a social activity, Clibbery said. Repair cafes can be offered in collaboration with community groups, such as men's sheds. Initiatives such as the Enviroschools programme, in pre-schools and primary schools, have been successful in changing behaviours. But it needs a receptive audience, Clibbery said. ''It's not easy to promote waste minimisation. In the early days when zero waste was a fresh and exciting thing it was much easier to get people engaged.'' By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter ■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Otago Daily Times
23-05-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Council urging residents to report illegal rubbish dumping
All residents and ratepayers are encouraged to report people engaged in illegal, disrespectful and costly fly-tipping. PHOTO: SUPPLIED The Clutha District Council is urging residents to take a stand against a growing problem of illegal rubbish dumping, or "fly-tipping", across the district. Fly-tipping, the unlawful disposal of waste on public or private property without consent, is a direct breach of the Litter Act 1979. The council has reported a concerning rise in both the number and volume of such incidents and is calling on the community to help identify offenders and curb this "disgraceful" behaviour. "This kind of behaviour is highly disappointing, disrespectful and will not be tolerated," a council spokesperson said. "It's a reproach to our district and an affront to the pride we take in our communities and environment." Those caught illegally dumping rubbish can face infringement notices or, in more serious or malicious cases, prosecution through the district court. A recent offender was fined $400 after being reported for dumping domestic and garden waste at several locations. Fly-tipping is not just an eyesore — it carries a significant financial burden. Clean-up operations, often requiring safety precautions, contractor involvement and traffic management, are funded by ratepayers and the council has stressed the cost is entirely avoidable and caused by a selfish few. The spokesperson pointed out the example set by the Enviroschools programme — schools engaged in active environmentalism where students take direct responsibility for roadside rubbish collections and community cleanups. "There is no excuse for this behaviour ... [It's] disgraceful that while our children are showing leadership in caring for their environment, others are undermining their efforts through laziness and thoughtlessness. "We are a modern, privileged community with well-established waste disposal systems ... We must act with integrity and preserve our clean, green spaces for future generations." Residents were encouraged to report fly-tipping through the Antenno app, the council website, email, or by calling the council. Reports should include as much detail as possible, including photos, videos, or vehicle licence plates, while ensuring personal safety. The council is committed to education and enforcement to drive positive change and is counting on community support to stop illegal dumping in its tracks.
