FAQs
What is a WMMP?
A WWMP sets out the the current situation regarding waste minimisation and management in the district and how the Councils will progress efficient and effective waste management and minimisation.
Why do Councils develop a WMMP?
All Councils are required under the Waste Minimisation Act (WMA) 2008 develop an WMMP.
This process is documented in a Waste Assessment and future direction and actions are set out in a the WMMP.
The last Waste Assessment for the West Coast region (covering all three districts) was carried out in 2018, and the Buller, Grey, and Westland Districts adopted the final WMMP in 2018.
Under sections 43 and 44 of the Waste Minimisation Act (WMA) 2008, the Waste Assessments and WMMPs must be reviewed and adopted every six years.
What are the requirements for Councils?
A WMMP must summarise Council’s waste management and minimisation objectives, policies, method and funding to achieve effective and efficient waste management and minimisation within the district. The WMMP must also have regard to the New Zealand Waste Strategy and the most recent Waste Assessment undertaken by the three district councils in the region.
The West Coast Regional Waste Assessment describes the waste situation, sets out the region's vision, goals, objectives, and targets, and develops options for meeting future demand.
The draft West Coast Regional Waste Minimisation and Management Plan (WMMP) summarises the information presented in the Waste Assessment and adds an action plan.
The Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP) outlines what Te rautaki para, the National Waste Strategy, means for the West Coast and proposes the region’s approach to delivering waste management and minimisation services. The Plan has been designed to meet each Councils’ obligations to evaluate and plan for waste minimisation and management in their district under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 (WMA).
The Plan covers the whole West Coast and reflects a regional approach to minimising waste through regional collaboration. All solid waste, whether landfilled or diverted material, is considered in this Plan. Diverted material includes items being reused, recycled, or composted.
Liquid and gas wastes, which are managed through other policies, are not in the scope of this Plan.
How will Council evaluate their progress?
The councils will monitor and report against the targets to determine the effectiveness of the action plan. It is expected that the councils will track progress against the targets annually to review performance.
The Councils will conduct a full review of the Plan at intervals of not more than six years after adopting the Plan or the last review. Any review of the Plan will be preceded by a Waste Assessment under section 51 of the Act.
Find out more on pp 35 – 37 of the WMMP.
How will the WMMP be funded?
The funding of the implementation of this WMMP will come from a range of sources including targeted rates, general rates, waste levy, external revenue streams, and other funding. Many funding sources have restrictions in what they can be utilised for.
Read about the funding options on pp 22 – 23 of the WMMP.