Protecting public health

Protecting public health is one of the original reasons for local authority involvement in waste management.

The Waste Assessment 2023 identified key waste management issues that are likely to be of concern in terms of public health after consulting with the Medical Officer of Health^[5]. These risks will primarily be managed by providing waste services and infrastructure. For example, assisted collections and additional medical waste bins have also been introduced as services to further protect public health. Appropriate performance standards for waste service contracts will be monitored and reported on. There are appropriate structures within contracts for addressing issues when they arise. Private waste services can be regulated through a bylaw where necessary.

Uncontrolled disposal of waste such as in clean fills or in rural areas, can be regulated on the local, regional, or national level. The DCC will work with the Otago Regional Council to ensure that waste issues are appropriately reflected in their regional plans.

Other areas that this Plan provides for to protect public health are:

• Continuously review reprocessing infrastructure.
• Engage with private operators to obtain better information on quantities of waste generated.
• Continue to support and deliver education and minimisation programmes.
• Review opportunities for better management of biosolids.
• Communicate and engage with communities, including iwi on changes to services.
• Review workforce planning in light of delivering waste management.
• Continue work to standardise waste management practices across Otago.
• Continuously improving on the services and infrastructure offered.

Footnote

5. Otago Regional Waste Assessment (2023) Appendix 1 - Medical Officer of Health Statement

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