Government announces consultation on a more effective landfill levy
The Ministry for the Environment has opened consultation on a proposed expansion of the landfill levy.
Currently, disposing of waste in a landfill is generally cheaper and easier than alternatives like recycling, composting and reusing. Waste going into landfills has been steadily increasing. Only a small proportion of New Zealand’s waste is currently reused or recycled. New Zealand has one of the highest rates of household waste production per capita in the OECD.
The reality is that many resources sent to New Zealand landfills could be recycled, composted or reused. There are many reasons why this is not happening. The main ones are lack of incentives, and lack of easy, readily available alternatives. The relatively low cost of disposal to landfill and the higher cost of recovering and recycling materials leads to products that could be recycled being taken to landfill instead.
The proposed levy changes are initially balanced, to allow households and businesses to adjust while new and improved waste management systems are established, but also to minimise the risk of increased fly-tipping or illegal waste disposal. It is estimated that the levy changes would lead to a fee increase of about 35 cents per 65-litre household rubbish bag by 2023.
The Ministry has provided a six-page summary consultation document and the full consultation document (81 pages). There is an online submission tool, and a Facebook post for sharing with family, friends and interested parties.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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75.7% Yes
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22.9% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
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