Action plan | mahere whakatutuki - Dunedin City Council

This section lays out the actions that will be carried out to achieve the objectives and targets of this WMMP. The objectives are the broad outcomes being sought and the actions are how we will achieve these outcomes.

These actions were sourced from the Otago Regional Waste Assessment, external engagement workshops, internal engagement meetings, WMMP Steering Group meetings which included mana whenua representation, and the Zero Carbon Plan 2030 – Implementation Plan.

The Action Plan is divided into tables covering topics for the core focus areas of this WMMP (Table 6– 13). These are overarching actions that will help waste minimisation broadly, construction and demolition, community-based resource recovery, organics, and regional actions. There are separate tables for rural, internal, and supplementary actions to ease navigation of the Plan. The actions are arranged based on the waste hierarchy, the impact upon their relevant objectives, targets, and key issues identified in the Waste Assessment 2023. Implementation methods, funding methods, and timeframes are also detailed against each action.

The impact of each action is noted as high, medium, or low, according to how directly the action is expected to impact upon the key waste issues identified in the Waste Assessment 2023, and targets. Actions which have a less direct impact on our targets and have outcomes that are difficult to measure, such as behaviour change, education, and advocacy, are classed as lower impact. Actions regarding national and regional regulatory reform have been classed as high impact.

The actions are then ordered based on placement in the waste hierarchy, the key issues from the Waste Assessment 2030 that the actions will address, the level of impact expected and whether it was an action raised in external engagement. For example, collaborating with community partners to establish a network of community-based resource recovery centres fits with the top of the waste hierarchy, will have a high impact on Target 1 and 2, and addresses key issue 1a from the Waste Assessment 2030, and it was raised as an action in external engagement workshops. Therefore, it is the top action in the plan for community-based resource recovery.

Funding the Plan

Section 43 of the WMA requires councils to provide information about how they will fund the implementation of their WMMPs. The actions in this Plan will be funded through a variety of methods, depending on the scale, type of project, whether it is a new action or part of existing operations, and who will be delivering the action. The funding options include:

The waste levy will be used for establishing new projects, services, and provide the resourcing required to achieve more waste minimisation in Ōtepoti Dunedin, in accordance with this WMMP. The waste levy can also be used to offer Waste Minimisation Grants, in accordance with the grants framework set out in this WMMP. The use of waste levy is prescribed by s32 of the WMA. DCC uses waste levy funding to cover waste minimisation staff salaries (including a contribution towards an Enviroschools facilitator) and associated employment costs such as ACC and Superannuation.
Long Term Plans – projects that require large investment will be funded through Long Term Plans, such as city-wide infrastructure and services.
Annual Plans – Ongoing, operational costs will be funded through Annual Plans.
Users Pay Charges – (also known as the ‘polluter pays’ method). It means those using a service, or disposing of waste, pays the full cost for the service or disposal.
Penalty Fees and Infringement Fees and Charges – These are used to fund resourcing for enforcement of regulation.
Targeted Rates – Kerbside collection services are funded through targeted rates, meaning those who receive the service are charged for it. This makes it more equitable, as households that do not receive the kerbside collection services do not have to pay for it. This could be expanded and varied, depending on the development of administrative capacity and coverage of services.

Health and safety for implementation

Waste management and minimisation activities have inherent risks for people working in the sector. Legal compliance and DCC standards for health and safety will be met throughout the implementation of this WMMP, monitored by contractor reports and audits. Industry standards have been prepared by WasteMINZ (the sector representative organisation), which will be useful guidance for implementation by external organisations. DCC staff will be proactive, working with our contractors, community groups, and residents to continue to improve health and safety outcomes and meet the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act, 2015.

Table 6: Overarching actions that will broadly support waste minimisation. These are in order of the waste hierarchy

1. Overarching Action
To create an online platform for Ōtepoti Dunedin that facilitates waste minimisation communication and co‑action among businesses, community groups, and residents to enable active participation in a sharing economy. Case studies and best practice guidance will be included where appropriate.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
1, 3, 4

Target (See Table 5)
T1, T2

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
4a, 4b, 5a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
High

Implementation Method
To work with community organisations and businesses to establish a sharing platform for resources.

Funding Method
Waste levy, Annual Plans

Timeframe
2030

Source
External engagement workshop, Internal engagement

2. Overarching Action
Investigate implementing regulation in the form of a waste minimisation bylaw, to lift the baseline of standard practices. Adopt and implement a bylaw as appropriate.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
5

Target (See Table 5)
T2, T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
4b, 5a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
High

Implementation Method
Council led

Funding Method
Annual Plans, Waste Levy

Timeframe
2030

Source
External engagement workshop

3. Overarching Action
Continue to offer grants to community groups and businesses to achieve and deliver waste minimisation.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
2, 3, 5

Target (See Table 5)
T1, T2

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
4a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
High

Implementation Method
Council led. A new Waste Minimisation Grants Framework is included in this Plan to instigate these changes (Appendix 1).

Funding Method
Waste Levy

Timeframe
Ongoing

Source
External engagement workshop, Zero Carbon Implementation Plan R1.2.1

4. Overarching Action
Advocate to central government to regulate against all single use cups, endorse the right to repair, eliminate waste via design, introduce a Container Return Scheme, and further product stewardship schemes.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
5

Target (See Table 5)
T2

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
5g

Impact (High/Med/Low)
High

Implementation Method
Council led

Funding Method
Annual Plans, Waste Levy for staff time

Timeframe
2025 to 2030

Source
External engagement

5. Overarching Action
Investigate financial incentives to encourage businesses to reuse and recycle. Align with the work priorities of this Plan, with an emphasis on construction and demolition. Implement as appropriate.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
5

Target (See Table 5)
T1

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
5a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
High

Implementation Method
Waste and Environmental Solutions leads

Funding Method
Waste Levy and Annual Plans

Timeframe
2030

Source
External engagement

6. Overarching Action
Establish collaborative structures and communication, such as a cross‑city circular economy collaboration group or groups, to support local resource reuse initiatives and infrastructure, and to promote resource circularity especially in the business community.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
1, 2, 3, 4

Target (See Table 5)
T1, T2

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
5a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Medium

Implementation Method
Networking events will identify key and willing organisations. Waste and Environmental Solutions and Zero Carbon will work with these key organisations to establish the collaborative structure.

Funding Method
Waste levy

Timeframe
2025–2030

Source
External engagement workshop, Zero Carbon Plan 2030 – Implementation Plan R1.2.2

7. Overarching Action
Improve waste minimisation at DCC‑run and DCC‑grant‑funded events. This may include assisting with services or resources, educational opportunities, working with venues, or advice on waste minimisation event plans.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
2, 3, 4

Target (See Table 5)
T2, T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
5a, 4a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Medium

Implementation Method
Council led. Progress in waste minimisation by non‑DCC events will be measured through voluntary reporting.

Funding Method
Waste Levy, Annual Plans (Achieve 40% diversion by 2030)

Timeframe
From summer season 2026, after composting services are available for events

Source
Internal engagement

8. Overarching Action
Offer cross‑sector and public waste minimisation educational workshops and courses, in person or online, in collaboration with external providers.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
1, 4

Target (See Table 5)
T2, T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
4a, 4b

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Medium

Implementation Method
Waste and Environmental Solutions develops courses with a provider.

Funding Method
Waste Levy, Annual Plans

Timeframe
From 2027 to 2028, once the Construction and Demolition Sorting Facility is established

Source
External engagement workshop, Zero Carbon Plan 2030 – Implementation Plan R1.5.1

9. Overarching Action
Continue to develop and support existing resource recovery parks and transfer stations including Green Island, Waikouaiti, and Middlemarch. Plan for how reuse systems could be supported.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
2

Target (See Table 5)
T2, T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
NA

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Medium

Implementation Method
Council led

Funding Method
Long Term Plan

Timeframe
From 2025–2030

Source
Zero Carbon Plan 2030 – Implementation Plan R1.1.1

10. Overarching Action
Engage with businesses to undertake waste audits and develop waste minimisation plans. Aim to support four businesses each year.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
1, 4, 6

Target (See Table 5)
T1, T2

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
4b

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Medium

Implementation Method
Waste and Environmental Solutions works with businesses, with support from Zero Carbon as needed.

Funding Method
Waste Levy, Long Term Plan

Timeframe
2030

Source
Zero Carbon Plan 2030 – Implementation Plan Action R1.1.5.4, R1.5.5

11. Overarching Action
Continue to communicate services and facilities available in Dunedin to motivate and enable residents, community organisations, and businesses to practice and improve waste minimisation.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
4

Target (See Table 5)
T1, T2

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
NA

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Medium

Implementation Method
Waste and Environmental Solutions leads

Funding Method
Waste Levy and Annual Plans

Timeframe
2025–2030

Source
External engagement

12. Overarching Action
Expand the range and the accessibility of waste minimisation facilities that are available in Ōtepoti Dunedin for further materials and products.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Recycle

Objective
1, 2

Target (See Table 5)
T1, T2, T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
4a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
High

Implementation Method
Council led

Funding Method
Waste Levy and Annual Plans

Timeframe
2030

Source
External engagement, Internal engagement

13. Overarching Action
Explore the provision of recycling services for businesses and the Central Activity Area (CAA), including the South Dunedin Precinct. Implement as appropriate.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Recycle

Objective
2

Target (See Table 5)
T1

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
3a, 4b

Impact (High/Med/Low)
High

Implementation Method
Council led in partnership with waste operators

Funding Method
Targeted rates or User’s Pay Charges, Long Term Plan

Timeframe
2030

Source
External engagement workshop

14. Overarching Action
Construct a new resource recovery park at Green Island to provide infrastructure for waste diversion.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Recycle

Objective
1, 2

Target (See Table 5)
T1, T2, T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
1a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
High

Implementation Method
Council led

Funding Method
Long Term Plan, Waste Levy

Timeframe
2030

Source
Zero Carbon Plan 2030 – Implementation Plan Action R1.5.2

15. Overarching Action
Collect data to identify opportunities for improving waste reduction and to inform the public.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Recycle

Objective
6

Target (See Table 5)
T1, T2

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
2a, 4a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Medium

Implementation Method
Council led

Funding Method
Waste levy

Timeframe
2030

Source
External engagement workshop

16. Overarching Action
Council kerbside collection bin use is monitored to ensure proper use of the service. Terms and Conditions of the kerbside services are being met (See Appendix 1).

Waste Hierarchy Level
Recycle

Objective
5, 6

Target (See Table 5)
T1, T2, T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
3c

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Medium

Implementation Method
Council led

Funding Method
Annual Plan, targeted rates, Waste Levy, penalty fees and infringement fees

Timeframe
Ongoing from 2025

Source
Internal engagement

17. Overarching Action
Hazardous and contaminated waste will be disposed of and treated responsibly to avoid harm to the environment and comply with regulations.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Treatment

Objective
2

Target (See Table 5)
T2, T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
4a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Low

Implementation Method
Council led

Funding Method
Annual Plans

Timeframe
Ongoing

Source
Otago Regional Waste Assessment and internal engagement

18. Overarching Action
Purchase and install gas engine at Green Island Landfill.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Disposal

Objective
2

Target (See Table 5)
T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
1c

Impact (High/Med/Low)
High

Implementation Method
Council led

Funding Method
Long Term Plan

Timeframe
2025–2026

Source
Zero Carbon Plan 2030 – Implementation Plan Action R3.8.2

19. Overarching Action
Continue work to optimise gas capture and destruction at Green Island Landfill.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Disposal

Objective
2

Target (See Table 5)
T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
1c

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Medium

Implementation Method
Council led

Funding Method
Long Term Plan

Timeframe
2030

Source
Zero Carbon Plan 2030 – Implementation Plan Action R3.8.3

20. Overarching Action
Old landfills are monitored and managed to minimise any harm on the environment.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Disposal

Objective
6

Target (See Table 5)
N/A

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
5e

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Medium

Implementation Method
Council led in conjunction with Otago Regional Council

Funding Method
Long Term Plan

Timeframe
2030

Source
External engagement workshop, Internal engagement

21. Overarching Action
A Litter Compliance Policy will be maintained to curb littering and illegal dumping.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Disposal

Objective
5

Target (See Table 5)
T2

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
N/A

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Low

Implementation Method
Council led

Funding Method
Annual Plans and penalty fees for non‑compliance

Timeframe
Ongoing until 2030

Source
Internal engagement

Table 7: Actions for waste minimisation and management in construction and demolition

22. Construction and Demolition Action
Explore the potential for and support the establishment of construction and demolition waste re‑use hub(s) with community partners. Implement as appropriate.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
2, 3, 4

Target (See Table 5)
T2, T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
4a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
High

Implementation Method
Council led with community and construction sector partnerships.

Funding Method
Annual Plans, Long Term Plan, Waste Levy

Timeframe
2030

Source
Zero Carbon Plan 2030 – Implementation Plan Action R1.4.3, R1.4.4

23. Construction and Demolition Action
Explore ways and opportunities to support the establishment and operation of building deconstruction services. Implement as appropriate.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
2, 3, 5

Target (See Table 5)
T2, T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
5a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
High

Implementation Method
Council led with community and construction sector partnerships.

Funding Method
Annual Plans, Waste Levy

Timeframe
2030

Source
Zero Carbon Plan 2030 – Implementation Plan, Action R1.4.7, R1.4.8

24. Construction and Demolition Action
Explore and implement as appropriate options for incentives and education to encourage low carbon, circular, low waste design for construction projects, including case studies and publishing information about best practice.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
5

Target (See Table 5)
T2, T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
4b, 5a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
High

Implementation Method
Council led with community and construction sector partnerships.

Funding Method
Annual Plans, Waste Levy

Timeframe
2030

Source
Zero Carbon Plan 2030 – Implementation Plan, Action R1.4.5, R1.4.6, R1.4.10, R1.4.11

25. Construction and Demolition Action
Deliver a pilot programme for onsite sorting of construction waste.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Recycle

Objective
2

Target (See Table 5)
T2, T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
NA

Impact (High/Med/Low)
High

Implementation Method
Council led with construction sector and waste operator partnerships.

Funding Method
Waste Levy, Long Term Plan

Timeframe
2030

Source
Zero Carbon Plan 2030 – Implementation Plan Action R1.4.9 and External engagement workshop.

Table 8: Actions for developing and supporting community-based resource recovery

26. Community Based Resource Recovery Actions
Collaborate with successful community partners to establish a network of community‑based resource recovery centres, including a central location. These centres, supported by Waste and Environmental Solutions, promote circularity, transparency
in destination of materials, and self‑sustainability.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
2, 3

Target (See Table 5)
T1, T2

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
1a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
High

Implementation Method
Council led with community partnerships

Funding Method
Waste Levy, Long Term Plan, to be confirmed following completion of business case

Timeframe
2030

Source
External engagement workshop, Zero Carbon Plan 2030 Implementation Plan, actions R1.1.2, R1.1.4, R1.1.5, R1.1.6, R1.1.7

27. Community Based Resource Recovery Actions
Continue to support and run and grow a calendar of community events and education to divert household items from landfill.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
4

Target (See Table 5)
T1, T2, T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
5a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Medium

Implementation Method
Council enabled

Funding Method
Long Term Plan, Waste Levy

Timeframe
2030

Source
Zero Carbon Plan 2030 – Implementation Plan, Action R1.5.1, R1.1.8

28. Community Based Resource Recovery Actions
Support localised community waste minimisation systems to establish and become consented.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Recycle

Objective
2, 4

Target (See Table 5)
T1, T2, T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
1a, 4a, 5a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Medium

Implementation Method
Waste and Environmental Solutions works with community groups to support them in gaining access to land to use, and step through the consenting process.

Funding Method
Waste Levy, Annual Plans

Timeframe
From 2025 to 2030

Source
External engagement workshop

Table 9: A table of actions for avoiding, diverting, and minimising organics from reaching landfill

29. Actions for Organics
Explore and implement as appropriate opportunities to divert construction timber from landfill.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
1, 2, 5

Target (See Table 5)
T2, T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
5a, 4a, 1a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
High

Implementation Method
Waste and Environmental Solutions designs and builds the facility at Green Island Resource Recovery Park, or alternate site.

Funding Method
Long Term Plan, Waste Levy

Timeframe
2025–2026

Source
Internal engagement, Zero Carbon Plan 2030 Implementation Plan R1.4.1

30. Actions for Organics
Develop options for re‑use of soils which could be diverted from landfill. Implement as appropriate.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
1, 2

Target (See Table 5)
T2, T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
1a, 4a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Medium

Implementation Method
Waste and Environmental Solutions develops the soil library at a Council resource recovery site. A soil library could be established at a resource recovery park to accept soils that could be reused, diverting them from landfill. Soils are categorised based on their source and reuse options to ease compliance with consent conditions for users.

Funding Method
Waste Levy and Long Term Plan

Timeframe
By 2028

Source
Internal engagement

31. Actions for Organics
Investigate how food scrap collections can be made available for businesses in the Central Activity Area, including the South Dunedin Precinct. Implement as appropriate.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Recycle

Objective
2

Target (See Table 5)
T1, T2, T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
3a, 4a, 4b

Impact (High/Med/Low)
High

Implementation Method
Services provided by private collection companies or expansion of DCC organics services already being made available.

Funding Method
Private collections or Long Term Plan

Timeframe
By the end of 2029

Source
External engagement workshop

32. Actions for Organics
Publish the standard and relevant test results of the compost produced from city organics collections so residents can understand the quality and safety of the compost they use.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Recycle

Objective
4, 6

Target (See Table 5)
NA

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
2b

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Low

Implementation Method
Dunedin City Council reports online

Funding Method
NA

Timeframe
2026

Source
External engagement and Steering Group

33. Actions for Organics
Explore and implement options for a long term biosolids solution.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Disposal

Objective
2

Target (See Table 5)
T2, T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
4a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
High

Implementation Method
Three Waters, Waste and Environmental Solutions, and Zero Carbon work together.

Funding Method
Long Term Plan

Timeframe
2025–2030

Source
Zero Carbon Plan 2030 – Implementation Plan R3.7.1

Table 10: Actions that will support regional development for waste management and minimisation

34. Regional Actions
Collaborate with other territorial authorities to develop a regional circular resource network.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Recycle

Objective
1, 2, 3

Target (See Table 5)
T1, T2

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
1a, 2b, 3a, 4a, 5c

Impact (High/Med/Low)
High

Implementation Method
Councils lead, provide, and facilitate

Funding Method
Waste Levy, Long Term Plans

Timeframe
2025–2030

Source
Otago Regional Waste Assessment

35. Regional Actions
Encourage and support waste‑related improvements to the Land and Water Regional Plan, including improving provisions for composting.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Recycle

Objective
5

Target (See Table 5)
T1

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
2a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
High

Implementation Method
Council led

Funding Method
Annual Plan

Timeframe
2025

Source
Zero Carbon Plan 2030 – Implementation Plan R1.3.4; Internal engagement

36. Regional Actions
Collaborate with other territorial authorities, regional authorities, and private waste companies to upskill and plan for disaster waste management and responses.

Waste Hierarchy Level
N/A

Objective
2, 3

Target (See Table 5)
T2

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
5e

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Medium

Implementation Method
Waste and Environmental Solutions

Funding Method
Annual Plans, Long Term Plan, Waste Levy

Timeframe
2025–2030

Source
Otago Regional Waste Assessment and Internal engagement

Table 11: Actions that will support rural communities with waste management and minimisation

37. Rural Actions
Improve the provision of recycling services for rural households and agricultural items. Implement as appropriate.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Recycle

Objective
2

Target (See Table 5)
T1, T2, T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
3a, 2a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Medium

Implementation Method
Waste and Environmental Solutions work with rural stakeholders and waste contractors.

Funding Method
Waste Levy, Long Term Plan

Timeframe
By 2028

Source
External engagement workshop, Zero Carbon Plan 2030, Implementation Plan Action R1.5.3

Table 12: Actions the DCC will complete to improve waste minimisation and management

38.Internal DCC Actions
The DCC leads by example in waste minimisation, across all departments.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
1, 5

Target (See Table 5)
T1, T2

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
5f

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Medium

Implementation Method
Waste and Environmental Solutions works internally to improve waste minimisation across the DCC.

Funding Method
Annual Plans, Waste Levy for staff time

Timeframe
2025–2030

Source
External engagement

Table 13: Supplementary actions that will be undertaken if resourcing is available

1. Supplementary Actions
Undertake study to determine sources of paper sent to landfill and identify actions to reduce, reuse, or recycle paper.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
1, 6

Target (See Table 5)
T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
4a, 4b

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Medium

Implementation Method
Waste and Environmental Solutions leads the study, procuring services where needed. Support from Zero Carbon as needed.

Funding Method
Long Term Plan, Waste Levy

Timeframe
2026–2027

Source
Zero Carbon Plan 2030 – Implementation Plan Actions R1.6.3, R1.6.4

2. Supplementary Actions
Undertake study to determine source and composition of textiles sent to landfill and identify actions to reduce, reuse, or recycle textiles.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
1, 6

Target (See Table 5)
T3

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
4a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Medium

Implementation Method
Waste and Environmental Solutions leads the study, procuring services where needed. Support from Zero Carbon as needed.

Funding Method
Long Term Plan, Waste Levy

Timeframe
2027–2028

Source
Zero Carbon Plan 2030 – Implementation Plan Actions R1.6.5, R1.6.6

3. Supplementary Actions
Investigate further procurement tools to incentivise businesses and producers to improve waste minimisation. Implement as appropriate.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
3, 4, 5

Target (See Table 5)
T2

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
4b

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Low

Implementation Method
Council led

Funding Method
Waste Levy and Annual Plans

Timeframe
2030

Source
External engagement workshop, Zero Carbon Plan 2030 Implementation Plan Action R1.2.3

4. Supplementary Actions
The DCC will advocate and incentivise through procurement for product stewardship so that the responsibility of disposal and end of life belongs to the manufacturer or supplier.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
1, 5

Target (See Table 5)
T2

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
5a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Low

Implementation Method
Waste and Environmental Solutions leads, working with procurement and other teams in the DCC.

Funding Method
Annual Plans

Timeframe
2025–2030

Source
External engagement

5. Supplementary Actions
Investigate establishing awards to incentivise good practice in waste minimisation and innovative reuse of materials across a variety of sectors. Implement as appropriate.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
5

Target (See Table 5)
T2

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
4b

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Low

Implementation Method
Council led

Funding Method
Waste Levy and Annual Plans

Timeframe
2030

Source
External engagement workshop

6. Supplementary Actions
Advocate to businesses to improve waste minimisation, including avoiding packaging, standardised designs, better material choices, and incorporating recycled materials.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
1, 3, 5

Target (See Table 5)
T2

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
4b

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Low

Implementation Method
Waste and Environmental Solutions works with businesses to improve their practices to align with best practice in waste minimisation.

Funding Method
Annual Plans, Waste Levy for staff time

Timeframe
2030

Source
External engagement

7. Supplementary Actions
Investigate how tenders can be structured to include additional pricing lines to specify costs for waste minimisation and recycling. Implement as appropriate.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
1, 5

Target (See Table 5)
T2

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
5a

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Low

Implementation Method
Waste and Environmental Solutions works with Procurement to develop tender documents to encourage waste minimisation.

Funding Method
Annual Plans and Waste Levy

Timeframe
2025–2030

Source
External engagement

8. Supplementary Actions
Expand waste minimisation education by Enviroschools to early childhood centres and further secondary schools. Expand appropriately.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Avoid, Reduce, Reuse

Objective
3, 4

Target (See Table 5)
T1

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
5a, 5d

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Low

Implementation Method
Council led

Funding Method
Waste Levy and Annual Plans

Timeframe
From 2025 and ongoing

Source
Internal engagement

9. Supplementary Actions
Public Places Recycling and litter bins are provided appropriately, according to DCC policy and the Reserves Management Plan.

Waste Hierarchy Level
Recycle

Objective
2

Target (See Table 5)
T2

Key Issue # (Waste Assessment – See page 15)
NA

Impact (High/Med/Low)
Low

Implementation Method
Council led. Council will provide bin infrastructure and collection services according to their criteria and assessment.

Funding Method
Annual Plans

Timeframe
Ongoing

Source
Internal engagement

Monitoring progress and reporting on implementation | Te aromatawai me te pūroko oi te kauneke me te whakatutukitaka

Monitoring progress is an essential part of making change, to check that we are achieving what we intend to. This monitoring needs to be reported to Council and the Ministry for the Environment. This section lays out how progress will be monitored and reported (Table 14). Each target will use 2022/23 as the baseline year to measure progress from.

Table 14: A monitoring and reporting framework for achievement of targets in this WMMP.

WMMP Target	Monitoring	Evaluation and Reporting
Target 1: Waste generation Reduce the amount of material entering the waste management system, by 10% per person by 2030.	Diversion records, Landfill 3000 data from Ministry for Environment levy reports, and population estimates (such as from Stats NZ population census, ‘Usual residents’).	A quantified measure of waste entering the waste management system per person annually, using Landfill 3000 data and diversion data. Reporting of progress toward this target will be reported for the Long Term Plan via Levels of Service, and actions summarised in Activity Reports to the Infrastructure and Services Committee as appropriate. Limitation: Current data available is not sufficient to give a full and accurate picture of waste generated per person due to waste being sent out of district and private waste services. The value reported will be the best assessment possible but should be taken as indicative.
Target 2: Waste disposal Reduce the amount of material that needs final disposal, by 30% per person by 2030.	Ministry for Environment Levy reports and population estimates (such as from Stats NZ population census, ‘Usual residents’).	Use Ministry for the Environment levy reports to report the total quantity of waste being sent to landfill annually, and divide by the population. Reporting of progress toward this target will be reported via Long Term Plan Levels of Service, and actions summarised in Activity Reports to the Infrastructure and Services Committee as appropriate.
Target 3: Waste emissions Reduce the biogenic methane emissions from waste, by at least 30% by 2030.	The total landfill gas being generated by the landfill before destruction, minus the landfill gas captured and destroyed (from UEF reports), to attain the quantity of emissions being generated that are escaping the landfill gas capture system.	To account for the expanding landfill gas capture system and landfill field, this measure will focus on reducing the amount of emissions generated, that are escaping the landfill gas capture system. The aim is for these remaining emissions to reduce. Progress for this target will be reported via Long Term Plan Levels of Service, and actions summarised in Activity Reports to the Infrastructure and Services Committee as appropriate.

WMMP Target

Monitoring

Evaluation and Reporting

Target 1: Waste generation

Reduce the amount of material entering the waste management system, by 10% per person by 2030.

Diversion records, Landfill 3000 data from Ministry for Environment levy reports, and population estimates (such as from Stats NZ population census, ‘Usual residents’).

A quantified measure of waste entering the waste management system per person annually, using Landfill 3000 data and diversion data.

Reporting of progress toward this target will be reported for the Long Term Plan via Levels of Service, and actions summarised in Activity Reports to the Infrastructure and Services Committee as appropriate.

Limitation: Current data available is not sufficient to give a full and accurate picture of waste generated per person due to waste being sent out of district and private waste services. The value reported will be the best assessment possible but should be taken as indicative.

Target 2: Waste disposal

Reduce the amount of material that needs final disposal, by 30% per person by 2030.

Ministry for Environment Levy reports and population estimates (such as from Stats NZ population census, ‘Usual residents’).

Use Ministry for the Environment levy reports to report the total quantity of waste being sent to landfill annually, and divide by the population.

Reporting of progress toward this target will be reported via Long Term Plan Levels of Service, and actions summarised in Activity Reports to the Infrastructure and Services Committee as appropriate.

Target 3: Waste emissions

Reduce the biogenic methane emissions from waste, by at least 30% by 2030.

The total landfill gas being generated by the landfill before destruction, minus the landfill gas captured and destroyed (from UEF reports), to attain the quantity of emissions being generated that are escaping the landfill gas capture system.

To account for the expanding landfill gas capture system and landfill field, this measure will focus on reducing the amount of emissions generated, that are escaping the landfill gas capture system. The aim is for these remaining emissions to reduce.

Progress for this target will be reported via Long Term Plan Levels of Service, and actions summarised in Activity Reports to the Infrastructure and Services Committee as appropriate.

Further reporting carried out for waste management and minimisation for Ōtepoti Dunedin, is required by the Ministry for Environment as following:

Activity sources of waste to landfill – Ministry for Environment
- Facility operators are required by the Ministry for the Environment to record and report the activity category of waste they receive at their facilities. As a facility operator, the DCC fits under this requirement. The method for this recording and reporting is detailed in guidance from the Ministry for Environment^[6].
WMA Gazette performance standards –- Ministry for Environment
- The Ministry for Environment set performance standards for the implementation of Waste Management and Minimisation Plans under section 49 of the WMA. In September 2023, a performance standard was introduced for accepted materials, excluded materials, and discretionary materials for Territorial Authority managed household kerbside collection services. This standard will be met through performance standards in the DCC’s kerbside collection’s contract. Meeting this standard will be monitored and reported to the Ministry for Environment as per Section 86 (1c) annually.
Spending of waste levy – Ministry for the Environment
- The spending of waste levy money will be recorded, and related to the objective it is achieving. This will be submitted annually to the Ministry for Environment, as per Section 86 of the WMA.

Further monitoring and reporting is carried out internally to assess progress and report on implementation.

Key Performance Indicators in the DCC’s contracts are reported by the contractor to the DCC. This is used to evaluate whether they are meeting their performance standards or not and take corrective action accordingly.
Health and safety performance is reported by contractors to the DCC. This is monitored and corrective actions are taken as needed.
Outcomes from the Waste Minimisation Grants will be reported annually to the Infrastructure and Services Committee.

Continuing improvement and progress

The DCC needs to consider a second approach in case progress is not being made as required by this WMMP. The future is inherently uncertain. Unforeseen circumstances may require alternative funding sources or approaches to achieve waste minimisation and management in Ōtepoti Dunedin. Some alternative arrangements could be:

Seeking funding from national or international grants.
Increase human resourcing through external contracts.
Working collaboratively with community partners and non-governmental organisation.
Changing emphases or methods for a particular objective or action.

Footnote

Ministry for Environment (2024) ‘Waste data – Overview of Activity Category Reporting’, URL: Waste data – Overview of activity category reporting | Ministry for the Environment, accessed 19.06.2024.

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