"A potential issue might be that the streets are littered with cardboard, wheelie bins and blue bins awaiting collection, and they are collected at different times by different contractors.
One resolution might be to try to co-ordinate all these times into one or more specific times during the day or night, with the aim of having cleaner streets," QLDC solid waste manager Stefan Borowy said.
Mr Borowy said doubling the district-wide diversion of recyling from landfill was a good outcome of the 2003 Waste Management Strategy.
He highlighted the success as council prepares a detailed, government-required "stocktake" review of the strategy, which led to services like kerbside recycling in the Wakitipu basin.
"Over seven years ago council undertook a highly successful roadshow through the district, which culminated in the adoption of the strategy. Seven years on it, is time to review that strategy with the community," Mr Borowy said.
The Solid Waste Working Party met for the first time on September 3. Along with Mr Borowy, it includes councillors, recycling and waste management contractors and QLDC staff from planning and community services.
Mr Borowy said the group planned to meet four times during the next 10 months to undertake the review, which the Government requires under the Waste Minimisation Act, be completed by 2012 .
"The first step is to go out to the community and get a feel from them on what direction the council should go with its Waste Management Strategy," he said.
Liaising with the community would be of vital importance to the working party - possibly resulting in the development of a solid waste bylaw.
The community consultation process would begin after local government elections on October 9, and was expected to be under way before Christmas.
Issues under consideration included affordability, sustainability, value for money, changing markets and targeting a 35% diversion from landfill up from the present 26%, which had doubled from 13% since the 2006-07 financial year.
"Generally, the review will set out what has been achieved under the current strategy, review any 'learnings' and seek feedback for the future," Mr Borowy said. He said another goal was to cut the $2 million spent annually on collecting and disposing of rubbish to landfill.
WASTE INITIATIVES
Under the Waste Management Strategy, several initiatives have been introduced since 2003, including. -
> Kerbside recycling collection in Wakatipu, which cost $1.2 million since July 2007 ($1.5 million in Wanaka since July 2005).
> The processing of recyclables, which cost Wakatipu $1.7 million since July 2006 ($1.4 million in Wanaka since July 2005).
> The construction of seven rural refuse and recycling drop-off points, which cost $226,000 in maintenance and construction since July 2007.
- Matt Stewart
