Have your say on regional plan to reduce waste

Hutt City written in dark blue with a representation of the river between Hutt and City. In smaller dark blue text below is Te Awa Kairangi. The logo is presented on a mid-blue background with light blue topographical markings. banner image
CouncilEnvironment & Sustainability

Published: 8 August 2023

Hutt City Council is inviting feedback on a draft regional plan to reduce waste.

The Wellington Region Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2023-2029 (WMMP) is all about readying our region for a more environmentally sustainable future, and public feedback is a vital part of the process.

Climate Change & Sustainability Committee Chair, Councillor Josh Briggs, says it’s important for councils and the community to unite to reduce waste across the Wellington region.

"All councils and our communities in the region are on this sustainability journey together so it is vital we deliver a unified approach to providing a more sustainable future for both Lower Hutt and the wider Wellington region.

"We want you to contribute to this mahi by letting us know what you think about how we’re looking at minimising our waste."

Head Of Climate & Solid Waste at Hutt City Council, Jörn Scherzer, says: "This is a chance to have your say on the future of sustainability in Lower Hutt and throughout the Wellington region. All eight councils together have produced their own draft individual Local Action Plan, and we look forward to hearing from our community on about the ways we’re proposing to reduce waste.

"Every item that goes into your red-lid rubbish bin means more waste getting sent to landfill. We want to slow the growth of our landfills, and to reduce the emissions coming from them."

Areas covered in the Lower Hutt Action Plan include:

  • Investing in new initiatives, such as diverting food waste from landfill.
  • Using strategic campaigns to reduce litter throughout the city.
  • Making it easier for people to get information on waste and climate-related topics.
  • Advocating to central government - smarter ways to produce less waste.
  • Working with Wellington Water to reduce and divert wastewater biosolids from landfill.
  • Demonstrating waste minimisation and circular economy principles in council facilities and activities.
  • Helping local businesses with free waste audits, presentations and supporting solutions.

Public consultation is now open and will close on Friday 1 September.

To read the draft WMMP and Lower Hutt’s Local Action Plan, please head to www.lesswastegreaterplace.co.nz and start giving your feedback.