Social procurement opportunities in organics material management

Report: TR 2025/06

Author: Height Project Management

This report, prepared for Waikato Regional Council, examines the potential to deliver the region's organic waste needs using a circular economy approach and sustainable procurement practices. Taken together, circular economy and sustainable procurement initiatives can build resilience within both communities and waste management systems.

By aligning organic waste systems with the waste hierarchy and incorporating smaller, localised waste processors, regions can reduce emissions, improve soil health, and enhance food security. Sustainable procurement presents an opportunity to stimulate local job creation, enhance skill development, as well as contributing to emissions reductions. Practices, such as early engagement, proactive contract structuring and targeted employment objectives, also reduce barriers for smaller enterprises, allowing them to participate effectively in council contracts and grow sustainably within the sector.

The research identified several barriers to localised composting, including funding limitations, regulatory challenges, and misalignment between central and local government policies. The report recommends several targeted strategies to support the development of a robust, resilient network of small-scale processors: Regulatory adjustments to streamline processes for smaller operators, expanded funding to support community-based waste processing, and capacity-building programmes to enhance operational expertise.

Complementing this report is a practical Guidance document that provides actionable advice for procurement and waste teams to implement the recommendations and integrate social and circular economy principles into organic waste management. By adopting these practices, local authorities can collaborate with communities to build resilient, community-centred organic waste management
systems.