Key Takeaways
- The Policy, Planning and Development Committee has voted to scrap the trial of fortnightly rubbish collections in Auckland.
- Reducing waste to landfill remains a priority for the committee, with a target of 29% by 2030.
- The committee will revisit waste-minimisation options in 2026, with a range of evidence-based proposals to be presented to the governing body.
- Auckland Council has been considering fortnightly rubbish collections since 2012, but has struggled to gain social support for the initiative.
- The council will look to other councils that have successfully implemented fortnightly collections for guidance and best practices.
Introduction to the Decision
The Policy, Planning and Development Committee has made a significant decision regarding waste management in Auckland, voting to scrap the trial of fortnightly rubbish collections. This decision comes after the committee took public feedback into consideration, with many residents expressing concerns that the trial would not be effective. Despite this, the committee remains committed to reducing waste to landfill, with a target of 29% by 2030. The chairman of the committee, councillor Richard Hills, emphasized that reducing waste to landfill is a priority that will be revisited in the new year, with staff set to return to the committee with a range of waste-minimisation options in 2026.
Public Feedback and Concerns
The decision to scrap the trial was influenced by public feedback, with many residents expressing concerns that fortnightly rubbish collections would not work well. The committee took this feedback seriously, with councillor Hills stating that elected members heard people’s concerns and took them into account. The feedback on the Waste Minimisation and Management Plan 2024 also showed that reducing waste to landfill is important to many Aucklanders, with 66% of respondents supporting the overall plan and its targets. However, it is clear that there are still significant challenges to overcome in terms of gaining social support for initiatives like fortnightly rubbish collections.
Commitment to Waste Reduction
Despite the decision to scrap the trial, Auckland Council remains committed to reducing waste to landfill. The council’s general manager of waste solutions, Justine Haves, stated that the council is committed to meeting its waste-minimisation target of 29% by 2030. To achieve this, the council will bring a range of evidence-based options to the governing body for consideration in the new year. This work will guide how the council continues to move towards a more sustainable future for Tāmaki Makaurau. The commitment to waste reduction is clear, and the council is determined to find effective solutions to achieve its targets.
Lessons from Other Councils
During the meeting, councillor Julie Fairey raised the point that Auckland Council has been considering fortnightly rubbish collections since 2012, but has struggled to gain social support for the initiative. She suggested that it would be useful to hear more from the 18 councils that have been doing fortnightly rubbish collections, and that this could help inform Auckland Council’s conversations with the community. This approach could provide valuable insights and best practices, helping the council to develop more effective strategies for reducing waste to landfill. By learning from other councils, Auckland Council can avoid repeating mistakes and build on successful initiatives.
Next Steps
The decision to scrap the trial of fortnightly rubbish collections is not the end of the story, but rather a stepping stone towards more effective waste management in Auckland. The committee will revisit waste-minimisation options in 2026, with a range of evidence-based proposals to be presented to the governing body. The council will continue to work towards its target of reducing waste to landfill by 29% by 2030, and will explore new initiatives and strategies to achieve this goal. With a commitment to sustainability and a willingness to learn from others, Auckland Council is well-placed to make significant progress in reducing waste to landfill and creating a more sustainable future for Tāmaki Makaurau.
