Joint regional landfill a step closer

September 15th, 2016
[TDC press release]

The Tasman District Council has agreed to amend its Long Term Plan, paving the way for a regional landfill to be established.

The regional landfill, to be run jointly by the Tasman District and Nelson City councils, is intended to reduce costs to ratepayers in both areas and enhance waste minimisation efforts across the region.

The change to the Long Term Plan 2015 - 2025 enables the Tasman District Council to transfer control of the Eves Valley landfill (pictured) to a joint committee of the two councils.

Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne said the decision was the next step towards a joint landfill and its benefits, which include reduced costs and a greater ability to promote waste reduction, reuse and recycling.

"The public consultation on the proposal, run in July and August, generated a number of useful suggestions for us to consider.

"I felt the feedback at public meetings and input from interested groups showed people were very comfortable with the concept and could see the advantages it would deliver.

"The joint regional landfill will result in greater operational efficiencies, and reduced capital costs for both councils over the medium to long term."

Councils are required to work towards minimising waste, but at the moment we're hampered in those efforts by having two landfills operating in the region. That's because the high fixed costs of running a landfill mean there is a financial incentive to increase rather than reduce waste."

Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese reiterated the benefits of the joint approach. "A joint landfill is just one example of utilising a partnership approach with our neighbours, for the benefit of the entire region.

"Through our combined efforts this project will ensure that our region has a focus on minimising waste, and maximising operational efficiencies."

Before the joint regional landfill can be established, the councils must make an application to the Commerce Commission to authorise the arrangement, sign a Deed of Agreement committing to enter the joint landfill arrangement, and resolve to form a joint committee.

Once all steps are completed, the joint committee will be put in place.

Mixed refuse from the Mariri and other Transfer Stations is transported to the Eves Valley Landfill in Waimea West for disposal. This site opened in 1989 and is owned and operated by Tasman District Council.

The site does not accept waste direct from the general public, but special waste (such as contaminated soil) may be accepted on application.

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