Thursday 19 February 2015 10.30am Taranaki Regional ... · PDF fileP Grennell (Transpacific Industries Group) Apologies Notification of Late Items Item 1 Confirmation of Minutes –

Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee

Thursday 19 February 2015 10.30am

Taranaki Regional Council, Stratford

Doc# 1467940-v1

Agenda for the meeting of the Taranaki Solid Waste Management [Joint] Committee to be held in the Taranaki Regional Council chambers, 47 Cloten Road, Stratford, on Thursday 19 February 2015 commencing at 10.30am. Members Councillors N W Walker (Taranaki Regional Council) (Committee Chairperson) C McFarlane (New Plymouth District Council) A Jamieson (Stratford District Council) A Ballantyne (South Taranaki District Council) Attending Mr G K Bedford (Taranaki Regional Council) Ms H Meintjes (Taranaki Regional Council) Mrs K van Gameren (Taranaki Regional Council) Mrs N West (Waste Minimisation Officer) Messrs M Hall (New Plymouth District Council) M Baker (New Plymouth District Council) Mrs K Hope (New Plymouth District Council) Messrs S Hanne (Stratford District Council) M Oien (Stratford District Council) B Manning (South Taranaki District Council) H Denton (South Taranaki District Council) R Simeon (Waste Management NZ Limited) P Grennell (Transpacific Industries Group) Apologies Notification of Late Items Item 1 Confirmation of Minutes – 20 November 2014 Page 1 Item 2 Waste Minimisation Officer’s Report Page 8 Item 3 Resourcing of Regional Waste Management Officer Page 12 for 2015-2016 update Item 4 New Refuse and Recylcing Contract update Page 16 Item 5 National Food Waste Prevention Project Page 20 Item 6 Composting and Worm Farming at Pukeiti Page 23

Item 7 Illegal Dumping Page 27 Item 8 Reports on Taranaki Regional Solid Waste Services Contract Page 30 Item 9 Report on general matters regarding waste management Page 32 Item 10 General Business

Agenda Memorandum

Date 19 February 2015

Memorandum to Chairperson and Members Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee Subject: Confirmation of Minutes – 20 November

2014

Item: 1

Approved by: G K Bedford, Director-Environment Quality

B G Chamberlain, Chief Executive

Document: 1467932

Resolve That the Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee:

1. takes as read and confirms the minutes and resolutions of the Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee meeting held in the Taranaki Regional Council chambers, 47 Cloten Road, Stratford, on Thursday 20 November 2014 at 10.30am

2. notes that the unconfirmed minutes of the Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee meeting held in the Taranaki Regional Council chambers, 47 Cloten Road, Stratford, on Thursday 20 November 2014 at 10.30am, have been circulated to the Taranaki Regional Council, New Plymouth District Council, Stratford District Council and South Taranaki District Council for their receipt and information.

Matters arising Appendices Document #1434315 – Minutes Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee Thursday 20 November 2014

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Doc# 1434315-v1

Minutes of the Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee held in Taranaki Regional Council chambers, 47 Cloten Road, Stratford, on Thursday 20 November 2014 commencing at 10.30 am. Members Councillors N W Walker (Taranaki Regional Council) (Chairperson) from 11.05am D L Lean (Taranaki Regional Council) alternate C McFarlane (New Plymouth District Council) (Deputy Chairperson) I Jamieson (Stratford District Council) I Armstrong (South Taranaki District Council) Attending Mr G K Bedford (Taranaki Regional Council) Mrs K van Gameren (Taranaki Regional Council) Mr P Ledingham (Taranaki Regional Council) Mrs N West (Waste Minimisation Officer) Messrs H Denton (South Taranaki District Council) M Oien (Stratford District Council) Mrs K Hope (New Plymouth District Council) One Member of the media. Apologies The apologies from Councillor N W Walker (lateness), Mr M Baker

(New Plymouth District Council), Mr M Hall (New Plymouth District Council), Mr S Hanne (Stratford District Council) and Mr B Manning (South Taranaki District Council) were received and sustained.

Notification of Late Items There were no late items of general business. Deputy Chairperson, Councillor C McFarlane (New Plymouth District Council), took the Chair (in the absence of Committee Chairperson Councillor N W Walker) and opened the meeting of the Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee. 1. Confirmation of Minutes – 28 August 2014 Resolved

THAT the Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee

1. takes as read and confirms the minutes and resolutions of the Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee meeting held in the Taranaki Regional Council chambers, 47 Cloten Road, Stratford, on Thursday 28 August 2014 at 10.30am

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Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee Meeting Thursday 20 November 2014

2. notes that the unconfirmed minutes of the Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee meeting held in the Taranaki Regional Council chambers, 47 Cloten Road, Stratford, on Thursday 28 August 2014 at 10.30am, have been circulated to the Taranaki Regional Council, New Plymouth District Council, Stratford District Council and South Taranaki District Council for their receipt and information.

Armstrong/McFarlane Matters Arising There were no matters arising.

2. Waste Minimisation Officer’s Report 2.1 Mrs N West, Waste Minimisation Officer, spoke to the report memorandum on the

significant activities the Waste Minimisation Officer has undertaken, in collaboration with district council waste officers, since the previous meeting of the Committee.

2.2 The Committee noted and discussed the trial by Egmont Refuse and Recycling on the

recycling of riparian plant scheme plant pots, bags and trays. Councillor I Armstrong, South Taranaki District Council, endorsed the trial and suggested that thought be given for district transfer stations to be able to collect this type of recycling to provide more local depots.

Resolved

THAT the Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee 1. receives the memorandum and notes the report on significant activities of the

Waste Minimisation Officer.

McFarlane/Armstrong

3. Illegal Dumping Awareness Campaign update

3.1 Mrs N West, Waste Minimisation Officer, spoke to the memorandum updating the Committee on the activities undertaken as part of the illegal dumping awareness campaign.

3.2 The Committee discussed the campaign and endorsed its success to date and the

response by the regional community to the campaign, noting that the illegal dumping working group will meet and assess the campaign and determine what actions are required going forward. Concern was expressed over recent budget constraints by the New Plymouth District Council whereby their roading department have reduced their frequency of collection and removal of roadside illegal dumping. This would be taken into consideration by the working group in formulating any future work or actions.

3.3 It was noted that the roadsign signs and rest area signs were an important component

in keeping the matter highlighted in the region, and the Committee supported the printing and placement of more signs where required.

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Resolved THAT the Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee

1. receives and notes the activities undertaken as part of the illegal dumping awareness campaign.

Armstrong/Jamieson

4. Organic Waste Diversion Project Brief

4.1 Mrs K Hope, New Plymouth District Council, spoke to the memorandum presenting an updated Organic Waste Diversion Project Brief for consideration and approval which was received and discussed by the Committee.


1. receives the memorandum

2. approves the Organic Waste Diversion Project Brief

3. agrees that council officers proceed with tendering for the undertaking of an Organic Waste Options study.

McFarlane/Jamieson

5. Ministry for the Environment Product Stewardship Update

5.1 Mr G K Bedford, Taranaki Regional Council, spoke to the memorandum presenting a Ministry for the Environment Product Stewardship Update for the Committee’s information.


1. receives the Ministry for the Environment’s Product Stewardship Update.

Armstrong/McFarlane

6. Resourcing of the Regional Waste Minimisation Officer for 2015/2016

6.1 Mr G K Bedford, Taranaki Regional Council, spoke to the memorandum on the resourcing of the Regional Waste Minimisation Officer position for 2015/2016.

6.2 The current funding arrangement for the position of Regional Waste Minimisation

Officer (RWMO) comes to an end at the end of the 2014-2015 financial year. Officers of the four councils have met to discuss the need for the position, and how it might be appropriately funded, having regard to the statutory obligations of each council, the Waste Management and Minimisation Strategy for Taranaki, district income from the national Waste Levy returns, and the relative benefits to be gained from the work of

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the RWMO. The collective recommendation of officers of the four councils was that the Regional Council should fund the position to 20%, and that the remaining annual costs should be apportioned in the relative ratio New Plymouth District Council 60%, Stratford District Council 10%, and South Taranaki District Council 30%, on a relative population basis.

6.3 The Committee noted and agreed that the proposed ‘split’ of council contributions for

the 2015/2016 financial year were a starting point for discussion for each individual council, especially in preparation and consultation of their forthcoming Long-Term Plans. However, it was clearly signalled that budget constraints were likely to impact on the financial resourcing of the RWMO going forward. Each Member supported the retention of a RWMO but could not provide certainty on how the position would be funded. Mr G K Bedford, Taranaki Regional Council, agreed to provide each district council a breakdown on the actual costs of resourcing the RWMO for their consideration on future funding. Each Member agreed to provide feedback to the Committee at the next meeting on their council’s view of the 2015/2016 resourcing of the RWMO.



2. adopts the funding model outlined in the memorandum for the next three years, being:

Taranaki Regional Council $28,227.00 (Plus contributions in kind from graphics and communications/public information staff, together with miscellaneous sundry costs; plus up to $60,000 towards organic wastes recovery options study, over 2014-15 and 2015-16) New Plymouth District Council $67,745.00 Stratford District Council $11,291.00 South Taranaki District Council $33,872.00

Total 2015/2016 $141,135.00

3. agrees to forward to the respective councils, the proposed budgetary allocations for resourcing the Regional Waste Minimisation Officer for 2015-2016, for consideration in the councils’ Long Term Plans

Walker/Armstrong

7. Waste Minimisation Education: Annual Programme Plan for 2014/2015

7.1 Mrs N West, Waste Minimisation Officer, spoke to the memorandum presenting the Taranaki Regional Waste Minimisation Education Strategy – Annual Programme Plan 2014/2015.

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1. receives the and ratifies the Taranaki Regional Waste Minimisation Education Strategy – Annual Programme Plan 2014/2015.

Armstrong/McFarlane

8. Presentation on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Waikato Regional Council Farm Waste Survey

8.1 Mrs K Hope, New Plymouth District Council, provided a presentation to the Committee on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Waikato Regional Council farm waste survey focusing on rural wastes produced by different activities such as dairy, livestock and cropping.


1. notes and receives the presentation on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Waikato Regional Council farm waste survey.

Armstrong/McFarlane

9. Reports on Taranaki Regional Solid Wastes Services Contract

9.1 There were no reports on the Taranaki Regional Solid Wastes Services Contract.

10. Report on general matters re waste management

10.1 Mrs K Hope, New Plymouth District Council, provided a brief verbal report on her attendance at the recent WasteMINZ Annual Conference which largely focused on organic waste and noted to the Committee the work being done by Auckland City Council in this area.

11. General Business

There were no items of general business.

There being no further business, Deputy Chairperson, Councillor C McFarlane (New Plymouth District Council), declared the meeting of the Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee closed at 11.45am.

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Confirmed

Committee Chairperson: ___________________________________________________ N W Walker Date: 19 February 2015

Agenda Memorandum


Memorandum to Chairperson and Members Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee Subject: Waste Minimisation Officer’s Report

Item: 2



Document: 1463408

Purpose The purpose of this memorandum is to report on the significant activities the Waste Minimisation Officer has undertaken, in collaboration with the district council officers, since the previous meeting of the Committee held on 20 November 2014.

Recommendation That the Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee:

1. receives this memorandum and notes the activities of the Waste Minimisation Officer.

Discussion Recycling bins for new Refuse and Recycling Contract

Both New Plymouth district and South Taranaki district residents are to be provided with new recycling bins as part of the new refuse and recycling contract that commences on 1 October 2015. STDC will provide a 140 litre mixed recycling bin and a 60 litre glass bin which will be emptied weekly and NPDC will provide a 240 litre mixed recycling bin and a 60 litre glass bin which will be emptied every two weeks.

Stratford district residents will continue using their existing 240 litre mixed recycling bins and will be provided with a 60 litre glass recycling bin. Their bins will be emptied every two weeks and new lids, which include the hot stamping, will be added to the mixed recycling bins when needed due to wear and tear. The Waste Minimisation Officer assisted the councils in developing the designs that would be hot stamped onto the new mixed recycling wheelie bins and glass crates. The designs are as shown below.

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Glass bin

Mixed recycling (Cans, paper, cardboard, plastic)

Mixed recycling bin lid Details printed onto lid National Food Waste Prevention Project

The Waste Minimisation Officer continues to assist with the National Food Waste Prevention Project. Further detail regarding this project is included in a separate agenda memorandum. Schools

The waste and recycling study unit for schools has been updated by the Waste Minimisation Officer. This study unit shows how waste minimisation links to the school curriculum and includes many useful resources that can be used to teach children about waste minimisation. The Waste Minimisation for Schools brochure has once again been distributed to all schools prior to the commencement of term 1. This brochure outlines the range of activities that are available in the Taranaki region to assist children in learning about waste minimisation. A new composting lesson is being trialled at Pukeiti Gardens as part of the Rainforest School programme. Further details on this programme are included in a separate agenda memorandum. Public Place Recycling at Tupare Garden

Recycling bins have recently been installed at Tupare Gardens as part of the new barbeque area. This means that all three of the Taranaki Regional Council gardens now have recycling

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available for the public. The Waste Minimisation Officer assisted in engaging contractors to collect the recycling and in designing the signage for the bins.

Recycling bin at Tupare Barbeque area with recycling bins

Farm Waste Survey

Three responses have now been received from farmers who will allow the Waste Minimisation Officer to visit and discuss their current waste management practices. Visits will be programmed for March 2015. Organic Waste Diversion Study

Tender documents have been emailed to selected consultants. Proposals must be submitted by 26 February 2015 and evaluations will be undertaken during the following week. The evaluation team will comprise of waste officers from each of the four councils in the region. Taranaki Regional Council Internal Waste Audit

The annual audit of landfill waste from the main Taranaki Regional Council building on Cloton Rd was undertaken on 2 February 2015. Council staff have again reduced the total amount of waste going to landfill per person with a 6% reduction compared to last year and a 42% reduction since 2009 when the first audit was undertaken. This is a very pleasing result and shows that the activities undertaken by the In House Sustainability Group are achieving results. Some of the more interesting results from the survey are presented in Table 1 below. Table 1 Waste to Landfill from Taranaki Regional Council, Cloton Road Waste Type Reduction Since Last Year Reduction Since 2009 Amount still going to

landfill (kg/FTE/Yr) Total Waste 6% 42% 12.43 Recyclable Paper 30% 80% 1.6 Mixed Recyclables (cans, glass, plastic)

0% 43% 0.74

Food Waste 9% 11% 2.11 Compostable Paper -6% 6% 1.15

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Of particular note is that the recyclable paper has reduced by 80% since 2009 and that mixed recyclables have reduced by 43% since 2009 but did not improve last year. As these items are readily recyclable it should be feasible to achieve near 100% reduction over time. A focus area for the future will be encouraging staff to separate their food waste and compostable paper into the compostables bins. Agrichemicals Collection

Agrecovery will be undertaking an agrichemicals collection in 2015. Bookings must be received by 24 April 2015 and the collection will be later in the year. The Waste Minimisation Officer will be involved with promoting this collection. Decision-making considerations Part 6 (Planning, decision-making and accountability) of the Local Government Act 2002 has been considered and documented in the preparation of this agenda item. The recommendations made in this item comply with the decision-making obligations of the Act.

Financial considerations—LTP/Annual plan This memorandum and the associated recommendations are consistent with the Council’s adopted Long-Term Plan and estimates. Any financial information included in this memorandum has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice.

Policy considerations This memorandum and the associated recommendations are consistent with the policy documents and positions adopted by this Council under various legislative frameworks including, but not restricted to, the Local Government Act 2002, the Resource Management Act 1991 and the Waste Minimisation Act 2008.

Legal considerations This memorandum and the associated recommendations comply with the appropriate statutory requirements imposed upon the Council.

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Agenda Memorandum


Memorandum to Chairperson and Members Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee Subject: Resourcing of Regional Waste

Management Officer for 2015-2016 update

Item: 3



Document: 1469468

Purpose The purpose of this memorandum is to provide an opportunity for individual councils to update the Committee on the outcome of discussions around identifying resourcing requirements for the role of Regional Waste Minimisation Officer for 2015-2016.

Executive summary At its meeting of 20 November 2014, the Committee received and considered a memorandum on the proposed funding of the Regional Waste Minimisation Officer role for 2015-2016 so that the staff representing the four individual councils can consider and discuss this expense with their respective councils. The meeting resolved to accept the proposed funding model and agreed to forward to the respective councils, the proposed budgetary allocations for resourcing the Regional Waste Minimisation Officer for 2015-2016, for consideration in the councils’ Long Term Plans. This memorandum presents the proposed budgetary allocations for resourcing the Regional Waste Minimisation Officer for 2015-2016. Individual staff representing the three district councils will provide feedback to the Committee at this meeting on their council’s view of the 2015/2016 resourcing of the RWMO.

Recommendations That the Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee:

1. receives this memorandum updating discussion around the future resourcing requirements for the position of Regional Waste Minimisation Officer

2. notes Council staff have met to discuss a revised funding model

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3. notes that the proposed funding model recommends that the position of Regional Waste Minimisation Officer continues, at the resourcing level of $168,970 for 2015-2016

4. notes that the proposed funding model recommends that the Taranaki Regional Council continues to administer the position on behalf of the four councils of Taranaki

5. notes that the proposed funding model recommends that the District Council contribution be set at $112,908 for 2015/16, and that this plus usual adjustments set through the annual planning process remains the contribution for the subsequent two years

6. Notes that the proposed funding model recommends that the district council breakdown is split between the three district councils on a 60:10:30 basis to NPDC, Stratford and STDC respectively.

Background

During the Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee meeting held on 20 November 2014, Mr G K Bedford, Taranaki Regional Council, spoke to the memorandum on the resourcing of the Regional Waste Minimisation Officer (RWMO) position for 2015/2016. The current funding arrangement for the position of RWMO comes to an end at the end of the 2014-2015 financial year. Officers of the four councils had met to discuss the need for the position, and how it might be appropriately funded, having regard to the statutory obligations of each council, the Waste Management and Minimisation Strategy for Taranaki, district income from the national Waste Levy returns, and the relative benefits to be gained from the work of the RWMO. The collective recommendation of officers of the four councils was that the Regional Council should fund the position to 20%, and that the remaining annual costs should be apportioned in the relative ratio New Plymouth District Council 60%, Stratford District Council 10%, and South Taranaki District Council 30%, on a relative population basis. The Committee noted and agreed that the proposed ‘split’ of council contributions for the 2015/2016 financial year was a starting point for discussion for each individual council, especially in preparation and consultation of their forthcoming Long-Term Plans. However, it was clearly signalled that budget constraints were likely to impact on the financial resourcing of the RWMO going forward. Each Member supported the retention of a RWMO but could not provide certainty on how the position would be funded. Mr G K Bedford, Taranaki Regional Council, agreed to provide each district council a breakdown on the actual costs of resourcing the RWMO for their consideration on future funding. Each Member agreed to provide feedback to the Committee at the next meeting on their council’s view of the 2015/2016 resourcing of the RWMO. The following recommendations were resolved:

THAT the Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee


2. adopts the funding model outlined in the memorandum for the next three years, being:

Taranaki Regional Council $28,227.00

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(Plus contributions in kind from graphics and communications/public information staff, together with miscellaneous sundry costs; plus up to $60,000 towards organic wastes recovery options study, over 2014-15 and 2015-16) New Plymouth District Council $67,745.00 Stratford District Council $11,291.00 South Taranaki District Council $33,872.00

Total 2015/2016 $141,135.00

3. agrees to forward to the respective councils, the proposed budgetary allocations for resourcing the Regional Waste Minimisation Officer for 2015-2016, for consideration in the councils’ Long Term Plans

Discussion As per the outcome of the last Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee meeting on 20 November 2014, the following information was provided by Mr G K Bedford to district council Members on the actual and operating costs from the Taranaki Regional Council for the Regional Waste Minimisation Officer (RWMO): The Regional Council’s LTP costings have allowed for the position of RWMO to be fulltime. This accounts in part for the difference between the figures provided to the last meeting (N West 80%) and those set out below (N West 100%), alongside re-calculated overheads. As per the commitment from the last meeting of the Regional Solid Wastes Committee, I set out below the anticipated costs to the Regional Council of providing the services and administration of the RWMO. Please note that the Council has firmed up on its LTP costings since the time of the meeting, and overheads are higher than first estimated and allowed for.

Salaries and wages: N West 100%, G Bedford 5%, H Meintjes 10% (incl training, Kiwisaver, ACC etc)

$ 92,637

Vehicles and operations incl depreciation $ 16,700 Overheads $ 59,633 Total $168,970 Proposed DC recoveries: $112,908

It was noted that in spite of the new figures, the future contribution expected of the district councils remained unaltered from what had been set out in the previous Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee meeting with the caveat that if the role were to increase to full FTE position that the contributions would need to be renegotiated.

Each District Council’s representative staff member will provide feedback to the Committee at this meeting on their council’s view of the 2015/2016 resourcing of the RWMO. Decision-making considerations Part 6 (Planning, decision-making and accountability) of the Local Government Act 2002 has been considered and documented in the preparation of this agenda item. The recommendations made in this item comply with the decision-making obligations of the Act.

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Agenda Memorandum


Memorandum to Chairperson and Members Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee Subject: New Refuse and Recycling Contract

Update

Item: 4



Document: 1469631

Purpose The purpose of this memorandum is to update the Committee on the new refuse and recycling contract.


1. notes the New Plymouth District Council update on preparation for new regional solid waste services contract.

Discussion Appended is the latest update on planning and preparation for the rollout of the new Regional Solid Waste Services contract, received from New Plymouth District Council.

Decision-making considerations Part 6 (Planning, decision-making and accountability) of the Local Government Act 2002 has been considered and documented in the preparation of this agenda item. The recommendations made in this item comply with the decision-making obligations of the Act.


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Policy considerations This memorandum and the associated recommendations are consistent with the policy documents and positions adopted by this Council under various legislative frameworks including, but not restricted to, the Local Government Act 2002, the Resource Management Act 1991 and the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 .


Appendices/Attachments Document 1469654: New Plymouth District Council update on preparation for new regional solid waste services contract

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When replying please quote: ECM6224874 Date: 11 February 2015 To: Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee SUBJECT: UPDATE ON PREPARATION FOR NEW REGIONAL SOLID WASTE SERVICES CONTRACT 15/SW01 The Regional Solid Waste Services contract has been awarded to EnviroWaste Services Ltd and the contract was finalised and signed in late 2014. Planning is now underway for the roll out of the contract due to start on 1 October 2015. A start up meeting with the contractor and the three district councils was held on 22 December 2014. Key actions and progress are discussed below.

1. The manufacturing of new recycling bins has begun. The design of hot stamps on the bin lids and crates was completed with the help TRC in December and incorporate the We Can brand. The bins will be stored in New Plymouth until they are distributed in the 6 weeks leading up to the contract start date.

2. EnviroWaste Services Ltd is currently working on the deliverables in the contract; in

particular the Implementation Plan. The district councils are in the process of providing up to date rating and GIS data to enable EnviroWaste Services Ltd to develop the Implementation Plan and determine collection routes.

3. A Communications Team has been set up to deliver all education and communication requirements for the contract change over period. This includes:

• Education Plan • Education packs supplied with recycling bins • Notices and kerbside stickers for non-compliant recyclables/greenwaste • Vehicle signage • Rubbish bag design (NPDC only) and retail outlet communications • FAQ’s • Website updates

This team will be co-ordinated by the TRC Waste Minimisation Officer, Nicolette West, and include waste and communication staff from the three district councils and the TRC.

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4. EnviroWaste Services Ltd is scheduled to undertake site visits of all the transfer

stations during the week of 16 February 2015 to determine requirements for the new contract.

5. A meeting with Transpacific Waste Management Ltd is planned in order to discuss a transition plan from existing contract to the new contract.

6. NPDC are currently looking at the Solid Waste Bylaw to ensure that any amendments required to accommodate the new contract and collection methodology can be completed and approved prior to the start of the contract.

Kimberley Hope Manager Compliance

Agenda Memorandum


Memorandum to Chairperson and Members Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee Subject: National Food Waste Prevention Project

Item: 5

Approved by: G K Bedford, Director – Environment Quality


Document: 1468323

Purpose The purpose of this memorandum is to update the committee on the activities that the region’s waste officers are planning to undertake as part of the National Food Waste Prevention Project launch.

Executive summary In March 2015 the National Food Waste Prevention Project intends to arrange a media launch to release the results of the national food waste research and to start building awareness about the food waste issue. The region’s waste officers plan to support this launch by undertaking a number of local activities.


1. notes the activities that the region’s waste officers will be undertaking as part of the National Food Waste Prevention Project launch.

Background Councils around New Zealand have been working together collaboratively on the National Food Waste Prevention Project to investigate the issue of household food waste. The subject of food waste has become increasingly topical with its implication in global poverty and environmental concerns. It is estimated that a third of the food produced for human consumption is wasted (UNEP, 2009).

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Although food is lost at many stages in its life cycle, one of the most significant areas of food waste in the developed world is at the household level. Research conducted by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) in the UK, has shown that up to 30% of what the average household buys is thrown away and of this two thirds is preventable (WRAP, 2013). New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) is one of six councils across New Zealand who have undertaken research over the last 12 months to determine residents’ attitudes and behaviours in relation to food waste. Three levels of surveys were completed by NPDC as follows. 1. Food waste survey A nationwide online survey was undertaken. The key questions in the survey related to what food has been thrown away during the week, and why. NPDC also funded additional region specific questions relating to food and garden waste, including composting and barriers to composting at home. The survey covered 101 households in the Taranaki Region. 2. Food waste audit NPDC undertook an audit of food waste from a sample of 120 households. WasteNot Consulting Ltd was engaged to complete the audit early in September 2014. The results were analysed and provided information on what types of food are wasted in what proportions (dairy, meat, bakery etc.) and how much of the wasted food is ‘avoidable’, ‘potentially avoidable’ and ‘unavoidable’. The cost of this food was calculated, providing an average cost per household per year of wasted avoidable food. 3. Kitchen Diaries Those households that participated in the food waste audit were asked if they would like to fill out a kitchen diary for a week. The Kitchen Diaries provided insight into why food was being thrown out. Twenty-five households took part in this survey. Results from these surveys will be released in March 2015 along with the national results.

Discussion In March 2015 the National Food Waste Prevention Project intends to arrange a media launch to release the results of the national food waste research and to start building awareness about the food waste issue. The national project team is working to get publicity in national papers, such as the NZ Herald and the Dominion Post, on television and will also create an online presence. They are aware that it is also important to spread the message locally and are asking all Councils whether they would like to be involved. The project team will provide Councils with a media kit to assist them with this promotion. The four Taranaki councils are planning to support the launch by undertaking the following:

• Contacting local papers and supplying them with a press release. • Sharing press releases and food waste messages on council websites, Facebook and

social media. • Sharing the message with groups in our community who have an interest in food.

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• Running radio advertisements. • Displaying posters and infographics in council offices and service centres.





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Agenda Memorandum


Memorandum to Chairperson and Members Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee Subject: Composting and Worm Farming at

Pukeiti

Item: 6



Document: 1460959

Purpose The purpose of this memorandum is to present the new composting and worm farming lesson that will be trialled at Pukeiti gardens as part of the Rainforest School visits.

Recommendations That the Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee:

1. notes that Taranaki Regional Council (TRC) will be trialling a composting and worm farming lesson for schools and early childhood centres to be offered at Pukeiti as part of a day visit to the Rainforest School.

Background The Waste Management and Minimisation Strategy for Taranaki highlights organic waste as a significant proportion of the waste going into Colson Road landfill, making up approximately 30% of the total waste stream. Composting and worm farming is considered an easy way that this material can be diverted from landfill and is encouraged by the four councils in the region. Although TRC currently offers advice and assistance to schools regarding composting and worm farming, until now we have not been able to provide a hands-on lesson where children can see composting and worm farming in operation.

Discussion TRC is now offering schools and early childhood centres the opportunity to learn about composting and worm farming in a hands-on way. This lesson will initially be offered as a trial with the hope that it will prove successful and continue to be provided on an ongoing basis.

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TRC will offer a half hour lesson as part of a day visit to the Rainforest School at Pukeiti. Children will look at the composting and worm farms in use at Pukeiti and how the gardeners use the material produced to enrich the soil. They will also learn how to establish a new system at their school or how to operate their existing system more efficiently. Lessons will be facilitated by the TRC’s Education Officer with assistance from the Pukeiti gardeners and the Waste Minimisation Officer.





Appendices/Attachments Document 1461109: Agenda Memo Appendix Composting and Worm Farming at Pukeiti 1 Document 1461113: Agenda Memo Appendix Composting and Worm Farming at Pukeiti 2

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Composting and Worm Farming

at Pukeiti

Duration: 30 minutes

Resource People: Pukeiti Gardens Staff and/or Kevin Archer.

This activity would particularly interest classes or teachers looking for ideas to help establish composting

and worm farming at their schools or to improve existing systems.

Lesson description

This lesson looks at the composting and worm

farms at Pukeiti and how the gardeners use the

material produced to enrich the soil.

The children will learn how to establish a new

system at your school or how to operate an

existing system more efficiently. There will be a

chance for questions and more advice.

Learning areas Social Science: Place and Environment,

Continuity and Change

Health and Physical Education: People and the Environment, Community Resources

Science: Living World – Ecology, Life Processes

Above: a thriving colony of ‘red tiger’ compost worms

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Compost can be collected in various ways, such as

the three-bay compost bin system (above)

or stored simply in a stack of old tyres (right)

Students will learn:

which materials are suitable or not suitable

to be put into the compost bins and worm farms.

how to set up a compost bin or worm farm.

how to operate the compost bins and worm farms

to get the best results.

about what type of worms are best suited for use in each process.

how worms convert organic waste into worm castings and a nutrient-rich liquid,

both of which are high quality fertilisers.

that composting creates humus which provides nutrients for plants and helps retain soil moisture.

how classroom areas can be good collection points for organic material suitable for use in these

processes.

Resources

Compost bins and worm farms, potting building, plant nurseries

Key competencies

Thinking

Participating and contributing

Essential Skills

Communication

Information gathering

Problem solving

Values

Innovation

Community and participation

Respect

K E V

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Agenda Memorandum


Memorandum to Chairperson and Members Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee Subject: Illegal Dumping

Item: 7



Document: 1458655

Purpose The purpose of this memorandum is to update the Committee on the activities of the illegal dumping working group.

Executive summary At the November meeting of the working group it was agreed that the enforcement officers from the four councils would now facilitate this group. It is planned for the group to meet again in May 2015. Since the completion of the awareness campaign, calls through the 0800 number have decreased to six in January as compared to around 35 per month during the campaign.


1. notes that the illegal dumping working group will now be facilitated by the enforcement officers from the four councils and that their next meeting is planned for May 2015.

Background At the August 2012 Committee meeting, anecdotal evidence from Councillors and Council officers was presented which indicated that illegal dumping in the region was increasing. As a result an initial report, Illegal Dumping of Waste in the Taranaki Region 2012, was prepared and presented at the November 2012 meeting. This report outlined the background to the issue of illegal dumping and also reported on the results of the 2011/12 investigation into what records of illegal dumping of waste were kept by the various organisations around the region. This investigation established that the collection of information was sparse outside the four councils.

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A working group was then set up to investigate illegal dumping in the region. This group included representatives from NZTA, DOC, the district councils and TRC. The working group agreed to continue collection of data for the 2013 year with a second report to be prepared at the end of this period. The working group continued to meet regularly and subsequently agreement was reached that the 2014 major awareness campaign undertaken by the waste officers would focus on illegal dumping. The second report, Illegal Dumping of Waste in the Taranaki Region 2014, was presented at the August 2014 Committee meeting. Three recommendations were made 1. The regional group, comprising the four councils, DOC and NZTA, continues to meet

regularly to set in place the infrastructure, education and reporting framework needed for the regional campaign to reduce illegal dumping;

2. Information on illegal dumping continues to be collected for the duration of this regional campaign in order to measure any effects of the campaign and establish any trends; and

3. The duration and nature of the campaign is reviewed annually based on observed

impacts. The illegal dumping campaign commenced in September 2014 and ran for a month and a half. The following activities were undertaken as part of the campaign:

• press release; • Mt Messenger clean up; • 0800 number and web form; • radio advertising; • stuff website advertising; • roadside signs; • rest area signs; • print articles; • magnets; • surveillance cameras

Discussion At the November 2015 meeting of the working group the enforcement officers from the four councils and the members from NZTA and DOC indicated that they now felt they were in a position to facilitate the group with less involvement from the council waste officers. With the 0800 number and web site form working well, along with the signage and cameras, it was felt that the systems were now in place to allow the enforcement officers across the region to work effectively together. The working group plan to meet again in May 2015. Calls through the 0800 number have decreased following the awareness campaign to six in January as compared with around 35 per month when the campaign was running. Enquiries through the website have remained constant at around two a month. NPDC have installed a new billboard sign on Junction Road at Burgess Hill at the southern entrance to New Plymouth.

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Agenda Memorandum


Memorandum to Chairperson and Members Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee Subject: Reports on Taranaki Regional Solid

Wastes Services Contract

Item: 8



Document: 1469800

Purpose The purpose of this memorandum is to introduce any verbal or written reports or commentary from parties involved in the Taranaki Regional Solid Wastes Services contract.


1. receives any reports on the Taranaki Regional Solid Wastes Services contract.


Financial considerations—LTP/Annual Plan This memorandum and the associated recommendations are consistent with the Council’s adopted Long-Term Council Community Plan and estimates. Any financial information included in this memorandum has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice. Policy considerations This memorandum and the associated recommendations are consistent with the policy documents and positions adopted by this Council under various legislative frameworks including, but not restricted to, the Local Government Act 2002, the Resource Management Act 1991, the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and the Biosecurity Act 1993.

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31

Agenda Memorandum


Memorandum to Chairperson and Members Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee Subject: Report on general matters regarding

waste management

Item: 9



Document: 1469806

Purpose The purpose of this memorandum is to introduce any verbal or written reports or commentary on general matters regarding waste management in Taranaki, other than the Taranaki Regional Solid Wastes Services contract.


1. receives any reports on general matters regarding waste management in Taranaki.


Financial considerations—LTP/Annual Plan This memorandum and the associated recommendations are consistent with the Council’s adopted Long-Term Council Community Plan and estimates. Any financial information included in this memorandum has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice.

Policy considerations This memorandum and the associated recommendations are consistent with the policy documents and positions adopted by this Council under various legislative frameworks including, but not restricted to, the Local Government Act 2002, the Resource Management Act 1991, the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and the Biosecurity Act 1993.

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Documents

Thursday 19 February 2015 10.30am Taranaki Regional ... · PDF fileP Grennell (Transpacific Industries Group) Apologies Notification of Late Items Item 1 Confirmation of Minutes –