Territorial authority waste data and waste levy reporting obligations
From 1 July 2024 territorial authorities need to keep records on waste data (TA reporting categories) and waste levy spending.
The new data reporting requirements can be found in the:
Waste Minimisation (Information Requirements) Amendment Regulations 2023 [NZ Legislation website]
They include the requirement for the territorial authority (TA)to report the following data if the service or facility is provided for under the TA's waste management and minimisation plan:
- types of materials collected
- tonnes of materials collected
- contamination tonnages for waste services managed by a territorial authority (eg, kerbside recycling collection)
- any facilities owned or operated by a territorial authority (eg, material recovery facility).
TAs will also need to report on how they have spent the waste levy money they receive. This reporting was previously voluntary. From 1 July 2024 it will be compulsory.
TAs must provide these reports to the Ministry for the Environment each year. The first report due on 30 September 2025.
- All TAs can submit their mandatory levy spend report through the Territorial authority waste levy expenditure system.
- All TAs will be provided with a spreadsheet template to use for the submission of their waste data report.
- Some TAs may also operate a waste disposal facility and or a transfer station. For these TAs they will be required to submit activity category reporting using the Online Waste Levy System.
Territorial authority reporting under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and its regulations
1 Section 8A(2), Waste Minimisation (Information Requirements) Regulations 2021.
2 Section 8A, Waste Minimisation (Information Requirements) Regulations 2021.
3 ‘Waste disposal facility’ – section 37A, Waste Minimisation (Calculation and Payment of Waste Disposal Levy) Regulations 2009; ‘transfer station’ – section 5A, Waste Minimisation (Information Requirements) Regulations 202.
This webinar covers the new waste data reporting requirements for Territorial Authorities.
View the presentation slides [PDF, 1.2 MB].
If you have questions email: wastedataregsupport@mfe.govt.nz