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January 2023

Waste work plans progress

The current waste management and minimisation plan 2021-27 can be found here:

An update on the work plans was given to Council earlier in the year. You can find a link to that report here (agenda item 6 refers):

Waste updates

Community

Our paint recovery programme continues to grow in volume. You can drop unwanted paint at any of the outlying transfer stations. In Blenheim you can drop paint at the hazardous waste centre.

The paint is processed and filtered and where suitable then resold back to the community. You can buy the repurposed paint from the Blenheim hazardous waste centre

Contracts

The hazardous waste service contract (2020-021) has been extended to 30 June 2027. This contract covers the collection and processing of hazardous waste from domestic and commercial sources. The contract will cover the collection and processing of ewaste from 1 July 2024.

Government

The Government is currently gathering information on challenges associated with construction and demolition waste. The main challenge for any scheme that recovers or reprocesses waste is an end market demand. Without this ‘pull-through’ effect then recovered material ends up being stockpiled or sent to landfill. To create a demand for construction and demolition waste will require the input of architects and designers who ultimately influence the specification for the building materials that can be used.

Waste sector

The waste sector continues to experience staffing challenges across the country. Drivers and general operators are amongst the shortfall in available personnel.

Did you know?

The consultation on proposed changes to levels of waste services has concluded. We received 459 submissions. Three Hearing Panel meetings were held in December 2022. Council will make a final decision on the proposed changes during February 2023.

Looking ahead

Council is scheduled to receive a report in the first half of 2023 on the potential for landfill gas to be used in electricity production. If the project were to progress the current landfill gas been extracted and flared or burned off at the Bluegums site would be redirected to a biogas plant. Landfill gas is produced over a prolonged period (30 years plus) after waste is received.

Council will be commencing a residual waste alternative assessment process during 2023. This work is carried out to assess what, if any, alternatives are available to the current landfill. Stage 1 of this process is scheduled to be completed by 2025.

Questions?

If you have any questions on waste related matters then please contact Council:|
MDC@marlborough.govt.nz

If we think the response to your question would benefit the whole community then we will publish in the next waste e-newsletter. If you have any other feedback on how the format and content of this newsletter could change in the months ahead, then please let us know by using the email link above.