Re-Introducing Greenwaste Charges “Essential”

08 January 2007

The re-introduction of greenwaste charges on January 1 was essential to offset the approximately $300,000 shortfall in revenue for the 2006/07 year, the Chair of the Kapiti Coast District Council’s Finance & Audit Committee, Barry Mansell, said today.

“The alternative to re-introducing charges for greenwaste and increasing general waste charges would be an increase in the rates of around 1.0 per cent and I, for one, believe it’s better to have a system where users pay rather than imposing general charges on everyone.

“I can certainly understand people being concerned about bringing back charges for greenwaste but it’s been forced on the Council by the huge increases in volumes of greenwaste, partly coming from outside the district but also from increased local volumes,” Mr Mansell said.

“When the Council approved the reintroduction of greenwaste charges on November 30 last year it was done to offset the shortfall in revenue. It’s desirable to maintain the composting programme, but it’s clear that a $300,000 shortfall is financially unsustainable.

“You might argue that the greenwaste should never have been made free about four years ago. Greenwaste charges certainly apply in the rest of the Wellington region and our free service was also distorting the flow of greenwaste across the region.

“The closure of the Composting New Zealand plant in Levin and its removal to Otaihanga also increased the risks of costs rising even further.

“While general waste charge was also increased, the Council considered it had no choice but to reintroduce a specific greenwaste charge across the across the District - i.e. to Otaki and Waikanae as well as Otaihanga. Signage is being changed to make this clear.”

Increased general waste charges can only offset greenwaste costs in the short term. Increased landfill disposal costs will begin to take effect from late 2007 after the closure of the Otaihanga landfill and they will consume more of the general waste charge from that time.

“The Council is continuing to explore options for kerbside recycling and a waste recovery centre and transfer station for Otaihanga linked to an improved service at Otaki transfer station,” Councillor Mansell said.

ENDS

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