Waikato waste and resource efficiency strategy 2015-18

"Working together towards a zero waste region"

This strategy outlines how the Waikato Regional Council and stakeholders will work together to minimise waste across the Waikato region to protect our communities and environment and to create sustainable economic growth through resource efficiency and beneficial reuse of wasted resources.

Read the 2015-18 strategy

Waste to resource - Waikato waste and resource efficiency strategy 2015-18 [PDF, 2.8 MB]

Table of contents

Strategy review 2015	5
Introduction	6
Background	6
Scope	7
Strategic drivers for a regional waste strategy	7
Section 1: The Waikato now and into the future	9
Waste in the Waikato: a regional picture	10
Waste data and statistics	10
Municipal waste composition	11
Movement of waste and recycling	12
Waste diversion	13
A new approach: waste as a resource	15
Regional opportunities	15
Role of Waikato Regional Council	17
Vision and goals	18
Strategic principles	19
Implementation and review	20
Section 2: Strategic actions and initiatives 2012-15	21
Key focus areas	22
Focus area A: Improve waste data and information management	23
Focus area B: Review regulatory environment governing waste	25
Focus area C: Reduce the harmful impacts of waste	26
Focus area D: Increase resource efficiency and beneficial reuse	28
Focus area E: Stimulate research and innovation	30
Focus area F: Foster partnerships, collaboration and funding	32
Glossary	35

Review of 2012-15 strategy

The Waste to resource - Waikato waste and resource efficiency strategy 2012-15 was adopted by the council in April 2012 and was reviewed in June 2015.

The purpose of the review was to assess the alignment of the Waste and Resource Efficiency Strategy (WRES) with our strategic direction, examine any new drivers for change, evaluate work achieved to date, and identify direction, scope and priorities for the next strategy period.

As a result of the review we’ve identified emerging international and national trends, as well as future linkages and opportunities for alignment with internal and external priority areas of focus.

The collaborative approach of the strategy continues to be supported and valued by its stakeholders and enables shared and collective action to occur in the areas where there are regional benefits.

This video clip will tell you a bit more about the strategy.