The government also aims to address environmental harm caused by contaminated sites
The government has launched a new strategy to reduce waste and improve waste management, aiming to mitigate both environmental and economic harm.
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds announced the initiative, emphasising a collaborative approach involving businesses, local government, iwi or Māori, and communities.
“The government is committed to working with the sector, business, iwi/Māori, local government and communities to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, increase reuse and recycling, and ensure we have the right tools in place to better manage our country’s waste,” Simmonds said.
The strategy is supported by a government waste work programme that seeks to update waste legislation to provide more flexibility in waste reduction and management.
“One of our main priorities is to make sure New Zealand has waste legislation that gives us more options and flexibility to reduce and manage waste effectively and efficiently,” Simmonds said.
She added that the government would focus on ensuring the waste disposal levy is invested where it can have the most significant impact. Reducing waste-related emissions and improving resource recovery and disposal facilities are also key goals. Additionally, the government aims to address environmental harm caused by contaminated sites, including historical contamination.
Simmonds reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding product stewardship schemes that hold industries accountable for the full life cycle of their products. Following the launch of Tyrewise, New Zealand’s first regulated product stewardship scheme, the government will next focus on farm plastics and agrichemicals.
“We’ll continue work to bring in new industry-led schemes, enabling supply chains to take responsibility for the full life cycle of their products,” Simmonds said.
The strategy includes changes to waste policies to minimize cost-of-living impacts while supporting local authorities. Local councils will have the discretion to determine the timing and implementation of kerbside waste collection services, with continued support from the Waste Minimisation Fund.
Additionally, the government has removed the 2025 deadline for phasing out all PVC and polystyrene food and drink packaging. Instead, it will work with industry stakeholders to ensure future regulations are practical and allow sufficient time for transition.
Simmonds emphasized that waste reduction is a shared responsibility. “Everyone has a role to play in reducing waste and waste emissions,” she said.
