Kerbside collections - your input requested

In February 2020, the Ministry for the Environment commissioned WasteMINZ to undertake a national research and engagement programme and make recommendations for the standardisation of kerbside collections in New Zealand. The final report included four key recommendations. One recommendation related to the standardisation of materials collected at kerbside. Two recommendations focused on how the materials could be collected and the final recommendation encouraged local government to implement kerbside collections of food waste.

Risk management research

First 4 Safety

WasteMINZ final report also recommended supporting robust health and safety research to understand the risks of different types of collection and processing systems and how these can be minimised, mitigated and managed.

The Ministry has engaged First 4 Safety Ltd to undertake this research work with Greg Dearsly leading the project. Greg has many years' experience in the health, safety, waste and recycling industry. The work began in mid-April 2021 and is expected that this will be completed over a six-month period. The project involves three specific work packages including a literature review of existing information from New Zealand and International sources covering industry, academic and regulatory content.

The second phase involves a series of stakeholder engagement activities including face-to-face events and webinar opportunities. Stakeholders from local government, regulators, industry, NGO’s, Māori and other interested parties can contribute. The face-to-face events will be held at up to five locations around New Zealand starting at the end of June and running through July. Details will be advertised through various association outlets and on social media closer to the time.

The third aspect of the project is the creation of a report detailing the findings from the literature reviews and stakeholder contributions.

Your opportunity to participate

Face-to-face sessions and webinar dates are listed below, if you work in this sector and wish to provide some feedback and participate in these events please email your expression of interest to greg@first4safety.co.nz to receive further details.