Government confirms new waste and litter legislation
The Government has confirmed it will introduce new legislation to modernise how New Zealand manages waste and litter.
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Public consultation on proposed amendments was held in April and May 2025. The feedback informed subsequent policy development. Cabinet has now agreed to amend the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and replace the Litter Act 1979. It will provide a fit-for-purpose legislative framework aimed at reducing waste, cutting emissions and improving environmental outcomes.
The proposed legislation will focus on five key areas:
- changing how the waste levy is allocated to territorial authorities and what it can be spent on, to give them more flexibility in how they use the funding, while also recognising the costs faced by smaller councils
- creating a framework for extended producer responsibility, ensuring producers remain accountable for their products throughout their lifecycle
- strengthening the tools available to monitor and enforce waste legislation and regulations
- enabling more effective controls for littering and mismanaged waste, including illegal dumping
- clarifying roles and responsibilities across central government, local government and the waste sector.
The Government intends to enact the new legislation before the general election in 2026.
Please email the team at wasteamendment@mfe.govt.nz if you have any questions about the waste legislative amendments.