Waste Minimisation
Introduction
The way we create and manage waste in New Zealand is well behind many other developed countries.
Too many of the materials we create and use end up in landfill. Too much waste goes into recycling bins and too many recyclables end up in the rubbish bin that could otherwise have been diverted from landfill.
The way we tackle waste touches many aspects of how we all live and work. The change we need to make is not simply getting better at recycling. It’s about recognising that when you ‘throw something away’, it doesn’t just cease to exist. It has to go somewhere: ‘away’ is usually the landfill.
Every year, New Zealand generates more than 17 million tonnes of waste – well over half of that (13 tonnes) goes to landfill. This means the value of more than two-thirds of the materials we use is simply lost.
Marlborough’s Waste
In Marlborough we produce approximately 67,000 tonnes of waste annually which is deposited in the Bluegums landfill. We produce 1330kg of waste per person per year; the national average is 740kg.
Like many regional landfills in New Zealand, Bluegums faces significant capacity challenges due to population growth, consumption patterns and the needs of Marlborough’s primary industries. The remaining estimated lifespan of Bluegums is 24 years based on current inputs.
Modern engineered landfills like Bluegums require substantial investment in environmental protection systems. They have limited capacity that, once reached, necessitate either expensive expansion or the development of new sites - both of which face considerable regulatory, environmental, and community hurdles.
Economic factors also make waste diversion crucial.
The national waste levy continues to increase under the government's waste strategy, making the disposal of waste to landfill increasingly expensive for both councils and ratepayers. Every tonne diverted from landfill not only saves space but also reduces these costs. Further, materials sent to landfill represent lost resources that could otherwise be recovered and reused in the circular economy.
Most importantly, available landfill space is a finite resource that, once used, requires extensive efforts to replace. Each year of extended landfill life gained through the diversion of waste represents significant value in deferred capital costs for future waste management infrastructure.
For Marlborough, maximizing the operational life of Bluegums through proactive waste diversion and community education is crucial for long-term regional sustainability and financial planning. It makes sense for the environment and for your pocket.
Council is currently working on an array of waste minimisation initiatives that with community uptake and support could double the life of the landfill.
