Key Takeaways
- Auckland Council has voted against a proposed trial of fortnightly kerbside rubbish collection
- The trial was proposed to run for six months, affecting 12,150 households in parts of Clendon Park/Weymouth, Te Atatū Peninsula, and Panmure/Tāmaki
- A public consultation showed strong opposition to the trial, with 78% of submitters not in favour
- The council’s goal is to reduce kerbside rubbish volumes by 29% per person by 2030
- Councillors have decided to listen to the public’s concerns and not proceed with the trial, citing the need to rebuild trust and focus on other waste management strategies
Introduction to the Proposed Trial
Auckland Council had proposed a trial of fortnightly kerbside rubbish collection in certain parts of the city, but the plan has been scrapped after councillors voted against it. The trial was set to run for six months, from February 23 to August 30, and would have affected approximately 12,150 households in parts of Clendon Park/Weymouth, Te Atatū Peninsula, and Panmure/Tāmaki. The trial was estimated to cost up to $1.7 million and was intended to help the council achieve its goal of reducing kerbside rubbish volumes by 29% per person by 2030.
Public Consultation and Opposition
A public consultation on the trial was held in October, and the results showed strong opposition from Aucklanders. Out of 5,051 submitters, 78% were not in favour of the trial. The common themes among those who opposed the trial included concerns about managing fuller bins, smells, hygiene, and whether they would have enough bin space, particularly in large households. The council’s general manager of waste solutions, Justine Haves, acknowledged the submission results and the concerns raised, but still recommended that the committee proceed with the trial to gain insights and data.
Council Decision and Rationale
Despite the recommendation from council staff, the Policy, Planning and Development Committee voted against the trial. Committee chair Richard Hills stated that councils are required by law to have a Waste Management Plan to reduce waste in their regions, and the trial would have helped the council achieve its goals. However, councillors ultimately decided to listen to the public’s concerns and not proceed with the trial. Maungakiekie-Tāmaki councillor Josephine Bartley said that the public had voiced strong opposition to a fortnightly collection, and the decision to listen to them would help rebuild trust. Manurewa-Papakura councillor Daniel Newman also stated that the decision reflects the will of most Aucklanders who provided feedback, and that the council should abandon its fixation with fortnightly collections.
Alternative Waste Management Strategies
The council’s goal of reducing kerbside rubbish volumes by 29% per person by 2030 remains, and alternative strategies will need to be explored. Councillor Bartley mentioned that there is still a lot to be done on how to recycle, product stewardship, food recycling, and food scraps, and that more people need to buy into these initiatives before any move to fortnightly collections is made. The council will need to consider other ways to achieve its waste reduction goals, such as increasing recycling rates, improving waste education, and implementing other waste management initiatives.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The decision to scrap the proposed trial of fortnightly kerbside rubbish collection in Auckland is a significant one, and it reflects the council’s commitment to listening to the public’s concerns. While the trial may have provided valuable insights and data, the strong opposition from Aucklanders has led the council to explore alternative waste management strategies. As the council moves forward, it will be important to prioritize waste reduction and education, and to work with the community to develop effective and sustainable waste management solutions. By doing so, Auckland can work towards achieving its waste reduction goals and creating a more sustainable future for its residents.