We're planning to make a few changes to our Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw to help us better manage rubbish and recycling in Palmy.
Let us know what you think about these proposed changes
Our Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw and Administration Manual sets out the powers we have in managing and minimising waste in Palmerston North. It sets out the rules for our kerbside collection services, drop-off points like the Ferguson Street Recycling Centre, and our public rubbish and recycling bins. It also includes rules for things like minimising waste at events, and for other rubbish collectors.
We recently updated our Waste Management and Minimisation Plan, which guides this bylaw. To align with the plan, we’re proposing a few specific updates to the bylaw. Here’s a look at the main changes.
Construction and demolition projects may be required to submit waste plans
Construction waste makes up a large portion of our landfill volume.
We’re proposing a change to the bylaw that may require building projects to include a waste management plan when applying for building consent.
However, if this change goes through, it won’t kick in right away. We will still need to work out details, like which project sizes need plans, how we’ll review them, and the impact on us and the building sector. Community feedback will help us iron out the specifics.
Updating licensing rules for commercial waste collectors
We’re aiming to start licensing companies that collect waste commercially in 2026/27. While this is already allowed for in our current bylaw, it hasn’t started yet due to the complexity of setting up the system.
We’re proposing some tweaks now to make it easier for this licensing system to be rolled out in the future. These include adding rules around the types of containers that commercial waste companies may use and the days and times they may collect waste.
Stricter rules for managing waste at events
To reduce waste at public events, we’re proposing stricter rules for event organisers.
Food vendors and stallholders will be expected to use recyclable or reusable packaging whenever possible. Event organisers will also need to track, sort, and properly dispose of all waste and recycling collected at the event.
Other proposed updates and improvements to the bylaw
- Updating the maps to show the most current kerbside collection areas.
- Having stricter rules around kerbside recycling bin contamination by amending the “Three Strikes” process map. If a property gets three contamination warnings (strikes) within six months, recycling collection will be suspended. This is an increase from the current three-month period.
- Charges for replacement recycling bins or glass crates. While we budget for a certain number of replacement bins and crates each year, some properties have an unusually high number of requests for replacement bins. If a property keeps requesting replacements, we may decide to charge for them.
You can read the full text of the draft bylaw and administration manual in the statement of proposal below. All proposed changes are shown as either underlined text, struck through text, or are in yellow highlight or different colours.
Statement of proposal: Draft Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw and Administration Manual 2025(PDF, 4MB)
Share your feedback with us by 5pm on Friday 24 January
We want to know what you think about the changes we’re proposing and whether there’s anything you think we’ve overlooked.
Fill out the online form to let us know. For alternative ways to have your say, see the public notice.
Click here to view form.
Next steps
We'll consider your feedback and make any further changes to the draft bylaw before it goes to elected members.
If you asked to speak to your submission, you’ll be heard at a public hearing on Wednesday 26 February 2025.
Elected members will then adopt any final changes at a later Council meeting.