Media Release
Link to photo of Cynthia Bowers
Link to Long Term Plan Consultation Document

Councils look at innovative ways to reduce use of landfill

Some of New Zealand’s, and the world’s, most innovative methods for dealing with waste may end up as options for Hastings and Napier.

The Hastings District Council has just released the consultation document on its Long Term Plan (2015-2025). One of its 10 top priorities for the future is to find the most effective and environmentally-sustainable ways to manage the waste of the Napier and Hastings areas.

The issue is being overseen by the Napier City Council and Hastings District Council Joint Waste Futures Steering committee, chaired by Hastings Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers.

“The current valley at our Omarunui landfill, which is owned by the two councils, will be full by 2025 if we continue to generate waste at the same rate we do today. So we have to plan for the future right now. Our joint committee has commissioned the New Zealand arm of an international company renowned for its expertise in waste management to help develop options (Jacobs). These options will include extending the current landfill, using the latest technology for converting waste into energy, and improving recycling rates,” she said.

Public consultation will take place later this year once the potential options have been shortlisted.

Hastings District Council is already participating in a waste-to-energy enterprise. It has partnered with Pioneer Generation Limited in the establishment and operation of a methane gas-fired power station at the landfill capable of powering 800 to 1,000 homes. It began generating electricity five months ago. Previously the gas was burnt off through a flare. By harnessing the gas, the council reduces emissions and the landfill gains an income stream.

All of the waste paper collected from the kerbside by the two councils is now used productively. Hawk Packaging converts the paper into export apple packaging.

“We have already started on the path toward meeting our long term goal of zero waste. The Waste Futures project takes us much further down that road,” she said. The work being done will be beneficial not just to Napier and Hastings ratepayers but could inform policy development across New Zealand.

“The resulting solutions could be adopted in many other parts of New Zealand – minimising our reliance on landfills.”

Note: The Long Term Plan consultation document will be publicly released tomorrow 2 April and a separate media release will be sent out with a link to the document on our website.

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