Actions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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