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Feedback sought on new waste strategy and options for new waste legislation

We are seeking feedback on proposals for a new waste strategy and issues and options for new waste legislation.  

New Zealand is one of the highest generators of waste per person in the world. On average, every year each New Zealander sends approximately 750kgs of waste to landfill, and much of this could be recycled, re-processed or reused. 

In 2019, waste contributed about 4 per cent of Aotearoa New Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions and around 9 per cent of its biogenic methane emissions. 

We need to change the way we think and live when it comes to the way we use materials. 

Everyone has a role to play to minimise waste and its impact on the environment. We know communities, businesses, and local government are already taking a number of actions to reduce waste and make their resource use more efficient. And many are looking for ways to avoid creating waste altogether.  

We are consulting on: 

  • a proposed new waste strategy that sets an innovative bold direction for everyone to transform the way we think about and manage waste.  
  • issues and options for developing new more comprehensive waste legislation to regulate the management of waste, and products and materials circulating in our economy. Once developed, the new legislation would replace the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and the Litter Act 1979.  (The new legislation is expected to go through the House during 2023) 

Consultation closes on 10 December 2021. 

Find out more about the proposals and how to have your say 

Find out about what government is doing to reduce waste and help New Zealand transition towards a circular economy