Far North District Council trash talking with community

Far North District Council wants public feedback on its draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan, which contains a proposal for more recycling.

The Far North District Council wants to talk trash with the public.

The council wants feedback on its draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan. The plan contains several proposals, including establishing refundable deposits on drink containers and opening eight new recycling centres around the district.

The plan sets out how the Far North can better manage and minimise its waste over the next six years, particularly how it can reduce waste going to landfill.

Under the proposal the aim is to reduce waste going to landfill from 300kg per person this year to 200kg by 2023 - about 7000 tonnes based on current landfill figures. The target is in line with the council's vision under the Long Term Plan, which aims to reduce waste, increase recycling and promote sustainable resource management.

Mayor John Carter said the 200kg goal is ambitious, but it's vital if the district is to become more sustainable.

"We cannot keep building new landfills; they are expensive to operate and harmful to the environment through potential ground water contamination and the release of methane gas into the atmosphere," Mr Carter said.

"They are also a legacy our children and their children won't thank us for. We need to do better, and we can do better."

Key proposals in the plan include:
• Providing new recycling facilities at Waima, Waitangi, Oruaiti, Mangamuka, Pamapuria, Waiharara, Matawaia and Te Tii.
• Campaigning for a national refundable deposit on drinks and other containers.
• Supporting farmers, and the construction and demolition industries to reduce waste.
• Encouraging home composting, worm farms and the Bokashi compost method.
• Establishing resource recovery centres in Waipapa/Kerikeri and Russell.
• Developing a regional forum to work on illegal dumping and clean-ups.
• Expanding monitoring cameras in illegal dumping areas.

Those wanting a copy of the draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan can download it from the FNDC website (www.fndc.govt.nz/wmp17) or obtain one from a council Service Centre. Submissions will be open until April 18 and can be made via the council's website or at a council Service Centre.

Public hearings will be held on April 28 and the council will finalise the draft plan on May 11.