Submission on the MfE Waste Levy Consultation Doc

Do you want to see a reduction in New Zealand's landfill waste? It's really a no brainer. Until February 3rd, Kiwis have an opportunity to have their say on a Government proposal aimed at reducing waste in our landfills.

The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) is proposing to increase the levy on waste sent to your local landfill, as well as expanding the levy to other landfills like industrial waste landfills. This increase and expansion of the landfill levy is aimed at incentivising the public and business to reduce the level of waste they generate, and encourage the diversion of waste to recyclers, who can reuse and resell items or recover useful materials that can be used again to make new products.

Given the Ākina vision of "a sustainable, prosperous and inclusive Aotearoa and world", and our strong partnership with the Zero Waste Network, we have a real interest in this issue.

Overall, we support the Government's  proposals on the waste levy, but would like to see a greater level of ambition. Increases in the levy have huge potential to change the way we all dispose of waste, and encourage more recycling. The increased revenue generated from the levies will also enable greater investment in much needed onshore waste recycling and recovery infrastructure, and increased funding support for innovative approaches to minimising waste. 

Have your say!

We encourage anyone with an interest in reducing landfill waste in Aotearoa to send the Ministry your own submission by the 3rd February deadline. Take a look at The Ministry's consultation document, and make your submission online.

You can also take a look at the submission made by the Zero Waste Network. This submission was prepared jointly by The Rubbish Trip, New Zealand Product Stewardship Council, Zero Waste Network, Envision, Para Kore, RefillNZ, Aotearoa Plastic Pollution Alliance, Wanaka Wastebusters, Whāingaroa Environment Centre, Ākina, Xtreme Zero Waste, Plastic Free Raglan, and Whāingaroa Environmental Defence Incorporated.