Building sustainability into Palmy’s future with Waste Bylaw updates
Published on 02 December 2024
We're proposing updates to the Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw, aiming to give residents confidence that sustainable practices are being prioritised in building projects, at public events, and in waste collection across the city.
Share your feedback on these proposed changes by Friday 24 January 2025.
The bylaw provides Palmerston North City Council with tools to manage waste responsibly, explains Natasha Hickmott, Acting Manager of Resource Recovery.
“The bylaw sets the ground rules for kerbside collection, drop-off points like the Ferguson Street Recycling Centre, and public rubbish and recycling bins. It even covers waste reduction for events and guidelines for commercial waste collectors.
"We’re proposing some changes to further support sustainable practices across the board.”
For new construction projects, one proposed update may require large developments to submit a site waste management plan as part of the building consent process. This plan aims to reduce the significant amount of building waste going to landfill, giving future homeowners peace of mind that sustainable practices were taken into account during construction.
“This won’t start right away,” says Natasha. “If this change is approved, we still need to finalise details, like which project sizes will need a plan and how the review process will work. Community input will help shape these specifics.”
Proposed changes for events on council land or with council funding mean food vendors will be encouraged to use recyclable or reusable packaging, and event organisers will be responsible for managing and tracking event waste. This change aims to reduce the environmental footprint of public events, allowing residents to enjoy gatherings that align with the city’s sustainability goals.
The proposed bylaw changes also set the stage for future licensing of commercial waste collectors, with a goal to roll out this system by 2026/27.
"We’re proposing a few tweaks now to make rolling out licensing easier, like adding rules about what types of bins can be used and when collections can happen," Natasha says.
These updates also extend to residents, with adjustments to the 'Three Strikes' rule for contaminated recycling and potential charges for repeatedly replacing recycling bins and crates.
For more details or to provide feedback, visit pncc.govt.nz/wastebylaw