30 March 2007

First steps on kerbside recycling for Kapiti

The Kapiti Coast District Council today took the first steps in introducing a long awaited kerb-side recycling service which will start in December 2007.

Subject to finalising details of the contract structure and incentives for the collection services providers, the Council’s Finance & Audit Committee agreed to proceed with a kerb-side recycling service in the district.

The contract for service will be with Manawatu Waste Ltd.

With limited sources of revenue available to fund the service once the Otaihanga landfill closes early next year, the Council is exploring an innovative new partnership model with the private sector which provides opportunities for the Council to ensure the service is provided while reducing the long term risks and costs.

The new service will be a weekly one using 60 litre bins which will be available to all households currently receiving a collection service within the main urban areas. However, under the business model, there is potential for rural properties to receive the service as well.

The service will collect paper, cardboard, plastics (categories 1&2 initially but it is hoped this can be broadened in future) glass, tins and aluminium cans.

Further work is needed on preparing the contract for the new business model and the Council will not proceed until it is assured the contract is properly structured and incentives are in place.

The Council is also exploring the options around the development of a resource recovery/transfer facility at Otaihanga and improved transfer services at Otaki, in partnership with Midwest Disposals Ltd.

If the full facility proceeds, it will have a resource recovery floor to separate out useable material, a sorting building for kerb-side recyclables, a recycling drop off and processing line for recyclables as well as re-use centre and associated retail outlet.

At this stage the Council is seeking further information on detailed costs and the nature of the construction and operating contracts before any final decision is made to proceed.

The Council also approved a new tender for the supply of biodegradable plastic bags.

The Council is aware the bags are not as degradable as paper bags and it is committed to also providing paper bags. Further information and pricing for paper bags will be reported back in late April.

At the same meeting a new green-waste tender from Composting New Zealand was accepted. This is based on a variable cost around volumes received.

At the same time, however, the development of a new schedule for greenwaste charges to pay for the full cost of this service was approved. Even with the re-introduction of charges in January the costs of the service are still not being covered. The community cannot afford to have free greenwaste and kerbside recycling as well because revenue from the landfill will not be available in future to support these services.

One of the pricing options will aim to ensure people who bring only small quantities of green waste that can fit in a bag are charged by the bag rather than car or boot load as they are now.

There are still aspects of the solid waste review that remain to be finalised .

It is a complex area and the Council intends holding a number of information sessions so people can find out more about the detail of key initiatives.

ends

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