We are choking on non-biodegradable waste
No amount of feel good advertising will make the needed changes to reduce this
I would propose levies on single use packaging providers unless they collect at the point of sale to consumers AND then handle the waste.
For every x percent of single use waste handled the provider would have a rates rebate to match or something similar
The aim would be to target this in such a way that those importing the packaging into the Wellington region or producing it locally would be the ones to be stung. We do not want the pain to fall directly on the shoulders of smaller businesses where the larger ones can more easily handle the costs.
This may require cooperation with other councils as well as central government to empower the council to make such changes.
I would work to establish transfer stations in local centres where people can bring larger amounts of recycling instead of having to wait until the fortnightly pick up.
This would be useful for situations such as getting a delivery that has a large amount of cardboard packaging
Such stations must not support motor vehicles as they are already able to easily drop items off at the Happy Valley tip
These stations would then be able to be cleared daily or even multiple times a day if needed
Overflow areas would need to be considered in their design should it not be able to be cleared before filling up
This would also assist with reducing the number of plastic recycling bags needed
An idea to consider is the system used in the Netherlands where there are waste containers dug into the ground that can be lifted by a specially fitted truck and emptied into a trailer. This may or may not be feasible for Wellington but should be explored.
Such a system could be rolled out over a period of time without greatly impacting the current system.
I would like to work with Porirua City Council to see if Tawa residents could be able to use the landfill closer to them.
This could possibly be through a payment from WCC to PCC to cover extra costs
In general Wellington needs a unified physical waste handling provider.
I believe a non-profit CCO would be a good option to consider
However it may make more sense to have it as a department of WCC, sharing common requirements like payroll and employee support. If a joint council agreement cannot be reached.
I would like to investigate what options exist for ‘mining’ old landfills for resources. I expect many have examined this and found it currently wanting. I would like to understand why this likely not a useful option.
Water waste is much more complicated due to the existence of Wellington Water. We would have to work with them and the co-owning councils to identify how best we want to handle waste water. Depending on feasibility we could identify uses for grey water such as irrigation or street cleaning
Authorised by James Sullivan. James@TFG.nz