OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE NZ MARCH 2018 \ ISSUE 166 \ $9.00

KATHMANDU'S WAR ON IS E-WASTE ON THE WASTE GOVERNMENT EMERGING AGENDA? CONTAMINANTS MANAGING THE EFFECTS

COUNCIL AND INDUSTRY CO-OPERATION \ 30 YEARS OF PROGRESS WASTEMINZ MEMBERS

PLATINUM

AUCKLAND COUNCIL aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

GOLD SILVER

ADSTAFF PERSONNEL 3R GROUP adstaff.co.nz 3R.co.nz AECOM aecom.com EARTHCARE ENVIRONMENTAL FOODSTUFFS NZ earthcarenz.co.nz foodstuffsnz.co.nz

GEOFABRICS NZ ENVIRONZ geofabrics.co.nz environz.co.nz MANCO manco.co.nz INTERGROUP OJI FIBRE SOLUTIONS intergroup.co.nz ojifs.com

OMARUNUI O-I hastingsdc.govt.nz o-i.com ONYX GROUP onyxgroup.co.nz SMART ENVIRONMENTAL PLASBACK smartenvironmental.co.nz plasback.co.nz

PROGRESSIVE ENTERPRISES SULO (N.Z.) progressive.co.nz sulo.co.nz SCION RESEARCH scionresearch.com

TONKIN + TAYLOR SIMS SOLUTIONS tonkin.co.nz apac.simsrecycling.com

STANTEC VISY RECYCLING NZ mwhglobal.co.nz visy.co.nz THE PACKAGING FORUM packagingforum.org.nz

WASTE MANAGEMENT NZ WASTENET SOUTHLAND wastemanagement.co.nz wastenet.org.nz

2 ON THE COVER LOOKING FOR WASTE 20 IN THE WILDERNESS​

12 KATHMANDU WAGES WAR ON WASTE Kathmandu’s sustainability lead Ollie Milliner sets out steps they CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Paul Evans \ +64 9 476 7172 have taken to taken to reduce waste [email protected] and invites retailers to collaborate on an industry-wide approach. MEMBERSHIP & FINANCE MANAGER CJ Dooner \ +64 9 476 7162 SILVER [email protected] 16 COUNCIL AND INDUSTRY: NO SECTOR GROUP CO-ORDINATOR Jenny Marshall \ +64 9 476 7164 LONGER THEM AND US ADSTAFF PERSONNEL [email protected] Morrison Low senior consultants adstaff.co.nz Alice Grace and Sue Hamilton ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATOR explain how increased complexity in Justine Robinson \ +64 9 476 7163 AECOM [email protected] over 30 years aecom.com has increased council–industry co- SECTOR PROJECTS MANAGER operation. Nic Quilty \ +64 9 476 7167 FOODSTUFFS NZ [email protected] foodstuffsnz.co.nz COMMUNICATIONS & SOCIAL MEDIA 20 E-WASTE ON THE AGENDA 25 LOVE FOOD HATE WASTE GEOFABRICS NZ Sarah van Boheemen \ +64 9 320 3415 Signs the new government sees geofabrics.co.nz [email protected] e-waste as a priority gives New Zealand a chance to redeem its poor MANCO EDITOR, REVOLVE Kim Mundell \ +64 21 655 917 reputation in this area. eDay NZ Trust manco.co.nz [email protected] chair Laurence Zwimpfer reports.

OJI FIBRE SOLUTIONS SUB-EDITOR, REVOLVE Julie O'Brien 25 ojifs.com [email protected] PROGRESS TOWARDS A CIRCULAR ECONOMY OMARUNUI LANDFILL DESIGN, REVOLVE Leanne Lassman \ +64 21 267 3885 AUT’s Dr Jeff Seadon outlines the hastingsdc.govt.nz [email protected] significant changes in the last 30 years. ONYX GROUP T +64 9 476 7162 PO Box 305426, Triton Plaza onyxgroup.co.nz North Shore 0757 28 12 Unit 2, 5 Orbit Drive, Rosedale 0632 MANAGING EMERGING PLASBACK WE NOW PRODUCE New Zealand CONTAMINANTS plasback.co.nz REGULAR wasteminz.org.nz What can be done to address the effects of contaminants of emerging REGIONAL WASTE PROGRESSIVE ENTERPRISES WasteMINZ is the leading professional body concern? Environmental chemist AND RECYCLING progressive.co.nz for waste management, Jonathan Caldwell discusses how we and contaminated land management should approach it. SCORECARDS, SCION RESEARCH in New Zealand. We deliver value to our GIVING EVERY STORE scionresearch.com members through the shaping and sharing of policy and the development of industry REGULARS A GREEN SCORE SIMS RECYCLING SOLUTIONS good practice. 02 MEMBERS THAT HIGHLIGHTS WasteMINZ publishes revolve magazine apac.simsrecycling.com 04 FROM PAUL’S DESK four times a year, it plays a vital role in THEIR DIVERSION ensuring our members are up-to-date 05 YOUR BOARD STANTEC RATE. with the latest in industry news, policy and 07 NEWS BITES mwhglobal.co.nz legislative changes as well as innovations 11 MOVERS & SHAKERS and advances. THE PACKAGING FORUM 32 FROM THE REGIONS ISSN 2324-5417 (Print) packagingforum.org.nz ISSN 2324-5425 (Online) 34 SECTOR GROUPS

WASTENET SOUTHLAND wastenet.org.nz

MARCH 2018 \ WASTEMINZ.ORG.NZ \ 3 FROM PAUL'S DESK Paul Evans CEO, WasteMINZ Talk to me [email protected] +64 9 476 7172

In November this year, WasteMINZ • Alice Grace and Sue Hamilton This is our 30th will be hosting our 30th annual look at the huge advances in the conference, and we conference, quite the milestone! procurement of services (see only have another Obviously much has changed in pages 16-18) 30 conferences until that time; our industry has come a • Jeff Seadon explores the massive we hit 2050. Time very long way. Granted, we still have changes in our legislative and some distance to travel in our quest regulatory frameworks (see moves quickly, so we towards a more circular economy. pages 25-27) must swiftly move However, it’s important that we • And, for an overview of our key down the path to a acknowledge the progress made, member events for the year, circular economy. the people who have enabled it and please see page 19. I encourage you to the significant learnings we have The celebrations will culminate garnered along the way. carefully consider at our conference in With this in mind, we will the role that you and in November, where we will look be using the whole of 2018 to your organisation can forward another three decades to celebrate 30 years of progress in play in accelerating the year 2050. By 2050, binding our sector. We’ll do this through legislation will require Aotearoa to this change. articles in this magazine, webinars, have reached net zero greenhouse- Block out 5–8 November in your videos and member events gas emissions. diary now. I look forward to seeing throughout the country. If our great country is going to you in Christchurch as we chart the For example, in this edition hit this audacious target, we can’t next 30 years for this great sector of Revolve we have the following do it by fiddling around the edges; and this great organisation. articles: our sector must play a significant • Simonne Eldridge reflects on her part. We must drastically transform time with WasteMINZ and the the way we do things, from a linear challenges take, make and dispose system to right in front of us one that focuses on sustainable materials management.

5 - 8 NOVEMBER | CHRISTCHURCH

4 YOUR BOARD Simonne Eldridge WasteMINZ Board [email protected] HOW TO

This year we will have our 30th Through WasteMINZ we are in a CONTACT WasteMINZ conference. Although unique position in which we can help I was not there in the beginning, the government by providing the YOUR BOARD I have witnessed significant information we have in a format that MEMBERS developments in the 13 years I have can be used. We are a diverse group, been involved. The conversations and we will never unanimously agree have moved from bottom-of- on the path forward, but I know that the-cliff solutions to how to we all want to make a difference avoid the waste in the first place. to NZ Inc, and, importantly, the Circular economy discussions have environment. reinvigorated the debate around Having said that, we have the importance of good waste- challenges with our effects-based minimisation and management legislative framework. Although it practices. I am excited by what will has significant benefits and provides come next! freedom to assess the true impact The Associate Minister for of a particular activity, it can open the Environment, Eugenie Sage, the door for technical, planning and has stated in her press release legal arguments that compromise of 19 January that “Significantly environmental protection. I’m sure reducing waste going to landfill we are all aware of the “rent an by 2020 is a key goal of the Green expert” concept which, although Party’s confidence and supply not restricted to an effects-based agreement with Labour and is framework, can result in an outcome a priority for me as Associate that doesn’t deliver what it promises. Environment Minister”. Also, regionalisation of waste

This is great news, but management facilities has resulted left-to-right top, middle, bottom unfortunately, the press release goes in some older facilities ceasing Darren Patterson CHAIR on to suggest that the next step is a operation and being replaced with [email protected] data-gathering exercise. Although larger facilities. As a result, we have Roderick Boys [email protected] I agree that good data is important, legacy challenges as the effects of Grahame Christian 2020 is only just around the corner, the closed sites continue as the gift [email protected] and there is a significant amount that keeps on giving, with much Simonne Eldridge DEPUTY CHAIR of infrastructure that central and effort required to manage ongoing [email protected] local government and industry will effects for communities. Wayne Plummer need to provide if we are truly to All in all, I am excited by what lies [email protected] impact on waste to landfill in that ahead and what we can achieve as a Ian Stupple timeframe. We need to get going! well-coordinated collective. [email protected]

MARCH 2018 \ WASTEMINZ.ORG.NZ \ 5 THE WORLD IS NEW GETTING GREENER.

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www.komptech.com MARCH 2018 \ WASTEMINZ.ORG.NZ \ 7 WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS over concerns they could show up Food in the nude in years to come. The decision to SMALL BUSINESS The New World team regularly test for the chemicals IPCA PFOS and PFOA comes as 22 private is doing their bit to reduce the Ridge Rd Quarry wells test positive at properties plastic customers take home from GCM Enviro downstream from Base Woodbourne the produce department — and on the Wairau Aquifer. they’re having a bit of fun while Supertyre they’re doing it. Starting out with Emerging contaminant concern: Keep Beautiful Trust the dedicated team at New World bit.ly/FoamFallout Ceres New Zealand Bishopdale, customers are now able ECOgreen Solutions to purchase fresh, delicious fruit and Plastic straws vegetables, nude. Well kind of. Callaghan Innovation

illegal unless Read all about it: Metallic Sweeping (1998) requested under bit.ly/FoodInTheNude Loadsense California bill Focus Environmental Services General Recycle A bill proposed in California would Storm unearths make it illegal for restaurant servers old tip INDIVIDUAL to give guests plastic straws unless Gale-force winds have exposed AJ Woodhouse requested — with the threat of a part of an old rubbish dump closed Renate Schutte $1,000 fine or jail time attached. more than 20 years ago and blown Sarah Pritchett "massive" amounts of plastic across Watch the video: Philippe Dumont bit.ly/ByeByeStraws a West Coast beach. Hans Buwalda Increasing climate risk: David Sinclair bit.ly/WestCoastDump Warren Snow

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becoming a central concept for WAR ON most industries, albeit more slowly than many of us would like. This VERY TIME I meet someone provides an enormous opportunity WASTE new and introduce myself for sustainability managers, as we as a sustainability lead look to the future, and I’m proud for a listed international to say that Kathmandu is firmly brand,E I get the same reaction: “But committed to this path. aren’t you also contributing to the Sustainability is, of course, a Kathmandu’s problem?” broad concept, so for the purposes sustainability lead I fully understand this, and on of this article, I will concentrate on the surface, we are all aware that Kathmandu’s war on waste. And Ollie Milliner details a business will continue to have there’s plenty to wage war on across Kathmandu’s environmental and social impacts. our 165 stores, two distribution approach and However, the landscape of business centres, two offices and 1900-plus is changing, and we are seeing staff. invites his retail sustainability become core to future competitors to plans across industries. Collaboration is key What keeps me optimistic collaborate in a I find it amazing how limited the are the views of people such as conversation is in the retail-waste war on waste. Joanne Redeke from the Centre for space. Most retailers produce similar Sustainable Business at ESMT Berlin, types of waste, a lot of which gets who predicts that sustainability landfilled and is a waste of both managers will, in fact, lead the money and resources. Honestly, it is fourth industrial revolution. As the utterly perplexing. machine of business continues and grows, sustainability is now

12 and knows what the challenges are, so that solutions can be clearly integrated into individual strategies. Kathmandu is incredibly lucky to be massive waste streams generated as There is huge opportunity for part of this platform; it has helped a result of our mass consumerism. these successes and failures to be us to be crystal clear on where we He touched on a range of areas shared in our sector in New Zealand, need to go. and uncovered some very important we'd like to see more open books In New Zealand, I believe that matters, issues that really resonated with the waste issue. industry-wide collaboration will with consumers and created The United Nations certainly most certainly yield bigger and customer urgency. Disposable coffee believes collaboration is important, better results, helping us to solve cups were a great example of this. with its Sustainable Development common problems. So that’s why we But if he had dug a little deeper into Goal 17 focusing on the value want to be open about our war on the multifaceted waste streams of partnerships. I also think waste. of clothing retail, he would have partnerships are at the heart discovered another massive waste of improvement in waste and Customers create problem that remains out of sight of sustainability. urgency our customers. In countries such as the United Some of you may have watched States, collaboration is everywhere, From A to B Australia’s ABC TV series War on and it’s hugely effective. In our Getting product from one side of Waste last year. I found it an absolute sector, the Sustainable Apparel the world to the other requires a lot breath of fresh air among popular TV Coalition works in collaboration with of single-use transport packaging programmes. In the show, comedian the Outdoor Industry Association that is disposed of in stockrooms, Craig Reucassel investigated the to share tools and resources away from the watchful eyes of among their members. Everyone passionate consumers. Cardboard, appears to be on the same page paper and low-density polyethylene

MARCH 2018 \ WASTEMINZ.ORG.NZ \ 13 Thinking strategically As such, we completed a Last year, after a significant amount comprehensive programme of waste of work, we set out our waste and audits; these helped us determine make up approximately 80–90 per recycling strategy. We split this into what the main waste materials were. cent of our store waste. Fortunately, three separate phases, which were: We then undertook waste surveys our stores all produce largely the • understanding our waste and across our entire store network to same waste, so it’s clear what we are infrastructure understand the practices used and dealing with if we are going to make how each store was performing. • implementing the right solutions a difference. As a result of this, we now produce • education and raising awareness. However, I am sorry to say that regular regional waste and recycling a lot of retailers are throwing these Understanding our scorecards, giving every store a easily recyclable materials into Green Score that highlights their waste & infrastructure general waste. It’s crazy, especially diversion rate. when the solutions are so simple. You can’t change what you don’t For example, we found that one measure. With our vast brick-and- Implementation of our stores wasn’t recycling soft mortar network, understanding Implementing everything we’ve plastics. We contacted our waste- what we produce, how we manage learned into clear processes to service provider, and they quickly the waste, and the infrastructure achieve the desired results is critical. dropped off a 660-litre wheelie required to support effective I’ve always been told that with bin for this material. Such a simple recycling was paramount for any a project, 80 per cent of your time solution! change to take place. should go into planning and only the last 20 per cent in execution.

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Get in touch today: CHRISTCHURCH 03 343 4310 AUCKLAND 09 368 7830 SUPERTYRE.CO.NZ This was pretty accurate in our case, as at this stage we were equipping on being open, positive and clear ourselves with all the material, to our staff on what the challenges resources and people power needed are and what role we need them to to get the desired results. It is still play. Some of you may disagree, but early days, but, as an example, over in my experience, the vast majority the past year we have implemented of people do actually care about soft plastics recycling into an looking after our environment and additional 10 stores, resulting in a want to do the right thing. However, recycling rate of 89 per cent across poor communication and the New Zealand and 59 per cent in resulting confusion can be an issue. Australia. Where to from here Education and raising awareness At Kathmandu, we are committed to waging war on waste, but we Ollie Milliner is based at the Kathmandu Communication has also been Christchurch office overseeing their would like to see the whole of New sustainability programme. His main focus critical for us. We are the culprits for Zealand’s apparel and the broader is Kathmandu’s sustainability plan, annual generating the waste, so, we have report and carbon and waste programme retail sector follow suit. We are not taken the approach that we should as well as marketing and communications going to fix the problems in isolation for these. also be the solution. We need our while trying to gain higher ground staff to engage with the programme over our competitors; we must and use the infrastructure properly. collaborate and work together to get I cannot emphasise enough the results that I think deep down how important this element we all want. So, my retail colleagues, has been. We’ve all come across get in touch, and let’s wage a war on communication on waste reduction waste together. that is either boring, patronising or green-washing. So, we have focused

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16 early adopter of kerbside recycling because up until then the waste HE RELATIONSHIP between manager believed that recycling was councils and the waste “the long trip to the tip”. In the early industry has changed 1990s, waste was not a woman’s significantly in the past 30 world. Sue’s male predecessor had and recycling needs of individual years.T Things were much simpler destroyed all contract files before households. Councils began to back then: there was no recycling she arrived and the men on the encourage investment in resource and no wheelie bins, let alone trucks were rough and tough (on the recovery facilities to support their resource recovery parks and food outside anyway). collection services. waste collections. It was all about Alice started at Wellington Girls College in 1990, and her form rubbish, litter and street cleaning. Knock-on effects This was core council business and teacher introduced paper recycling for councils one of the largest budget items. to the school that year, a first in Council specified what services New Zealand. Alice’s form class With higher levels of service would be delivered and sought the was regularly instructed to climb come increased costs. In the past, cheapest price from the market. into the paper skip bin to remove rubbish collection was funded Thirty years later, the landscape contamination — glad wrap and solely by rates. However, changes looks quite different. Waste services apple cores. over the years now mean that are more complex, councils are one For both of us, our experiences services may be funded by rates, of many suppliers of waste services from that time have sparked long user charges, waste levy funds, to their communities, and the way careers in an industry we love. grants, sponsorship, revenue services are procured, managed and sharing (between the contractor delivered has had to adapt. Legislation driver and council) or contractor funds With the enactment of the Waste (such as for wheelie bins or recovery Our waste journeys Minimisation Act in 2008, waste facilities). Before looking at the changes in the management and minimisation Council waste by-law provisions industry, we thought we would share planning became a legislative were once focused on regulating our own journeys. In the early 1990s, requirement, providing councils with and disposal but we were both starting out in waste. high-level direction not previously have now increased to support Sue joined Manukau City Council’s seen. Procurement processes councils’ policy objectives. waste team at that time, and in became the opportunity to realise Provisions focus on waste operator 1996 kerbside recycling collection waste diversion targets. Councils licensing, data provision, driving services commenced in Manukau started to plan well in advance and waste diversion and support for City. The council had not been an increased their understanding of achieving waste minimisation industry trends and best practice. A targets. menu of collection service options could be offered to suit the refuse

MARCH 2018 \ WASTEMINZ.ORG.NZ \ 17 Plant and resources therefore requiring more time Councils now contract with for procurement processes to be both private waste companies and Thirty years ago, all you needed completed. social enterprise organisations. was a truck and some fit runners Other key areas where contracts Increasingly we are seeing to collect the rubbish bags and have matured are health and collaboration between the medium- deliver them to the tip. Today’s waste safety requirements, and joint to large-sized waste companies facilities are complex, multi-purpose performance assessment and and the community sector. These sites with engineered controls to improvement. Health and safety innovative arrangements, often protect against environmental systems are evaluated in tenders, introduced by councils in the first impacts. Trucks come in all shapes and minimum standards are instance, bring together the energy and sizes, with vehicles purpose built generally a prerequisite. There is also and enthusiasm of the community to suit the material collected and the more robust ongoing assessment sector with the management, terrain they traverse. And it appears of health and safety performance experience and financial capability of that the industry is about to go during the contract term. the waste industry, giving customers through another revolution with the Governance arrangements can the benefit of both worlds. It is emergence of electric vehicles and be shared by the parties to ensure likely that more councils will be the advantages they offer in terms regular assessment of performance seeking these community-industry of noise reduction and running costs, and continual improvement and partnerships. as well as their low carbon footprint. innovation of work practices and The future Contract maturity technology. The industry continues to evolve The complexity in council waste Working together rapidly. Even five years from now services has led to the need for more Engagement with contractors on the changes outlined here will seem complex contract arrangements. the best way to deliver services is like normal practice, and in 30 years The nature of these contracts varies now common, as it leads to better many will seem outdated. Perhaps widely across the country to suit outcomes that match contractor we will look back and wonder why local needs. There can be contracts capability with council aspirations. we ever thought there were a “them” for collection services, design and This happens both before and an “us”. build of new facilities, site leases procurement and during contracts, and joint governance agreements when the introduction of new (particularly for regional facilities). services is often negotiated mid- These are reflective of the more contract. collaborative delivery arrangements Councils are giving more that exist today to harness the consideration to the whole of the strengths of both the public and market service offering. Commercial private sector. services and council services are Alice Grace and Sue Hamilton are senior Thirty years ago, tender more complementary than 30 years consultants at Morrison Low, management evaluation was focused on the consultants that specialise in local and ago. Both councils and private waste lowest price. Over time, more formal central government. Morrison Low’s companies are benefiting from the services include strategy development, processes were introduced, modelled economies of scale and efficiency process analysis and operational on national roading procurement. improvement services. In the waste area, that come from the sharing of they support clients with the development These provided tenderers with more collection plant (e.g., same truck of strategic plans (including WMMPs) and information about what councils business cases, undertake service delivery for public and private services) were seeking and led to more reviews and procurement, and provide and infrastructure (e.g., recycling subject matter expertise. equitable tender evaluation. Due to facilities that process both council the number of service options made and commercial materials). available to customers, contract price schedules have become more complex to price and evaluate,

18 In 2018 we will celebrate C40 CITIES - TRANSITIONING FROM WASTE WasteMINZ’s 30th annual MANAGEMENT TO A CIRCULAR ECONOMY conference, a significant occasion Thursday 12 April 2018 \ 5.30pm to 7.30pm Crowne Plaza Hotel, Auckland for our organisation. In the lead- Event will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend up, we want to reflect on how far we’ve come over the last 30 years, BETTER PARTNERSHIPS FOR BETTER WASTE the progress we’ve made and the AND RECYCLING OUTCOMES people who have enabled it. Thursday 7 June 2018 \ 5.00pm to 7.00pm Te Whare Waka o Poneke

We also want to look to the future, Event will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend in particular, 2050, by which time we need to achieve net zero LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP \ 5.00pm to 7.00pm greenhouse gas emissions. Thursday 30 August 2018 Otago Museum

If Aotearoa is to hit this audacious Event will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend target, our sector must play a WASTEMINZ 30TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE – significant part. We must drastically TARGET 2050 transform the way we do things. Monday 5 to Thursday 8 November 2018 With this in mind, we are hosting Airforce Museum of New Zealand, Christchurch a series of member events throughout the country to explore We will be releasing more information as the what the future might look like and year progresses, but for now, diary these dates. who needs to be involved if we are And keep up to date will all our events at to be successful. bit.ly/WasteMINZEvents E-WASTE A PRIORITY ISSUE AT LAST! eDay New Zealand Trust chair Laurence Zwimpfer describes New Zealand’s poor history of managing e-waste and looks to a brighter future.

HE ANNOUNCEMENT by The report estimated that New Environment by Computer Access Associate Environment Zealanders generate over 20 New Zealand, the predecessor to Minister Eugenie Sage on kilograms of e-waste per person the eDay Trust.4 At that time, it was 21 January 2018 that she each year.3 While some other estimated that there were 16 million recognisesT e-waste as a priority countries have slightly higher per computers and TV sets that would issue is the final step in a decade- capita volumes, this is mitigated by be reaching their end of life within long journey to bring New Zealand the existence of national e-waste five years, and a further one million in line with other developed nations collection and recycling schemes. new digital devices were being sold with sustainable recycling schemes For example, Europe leads the world, each year. Concerns were highlighted for .1 achieving a 49 per cent recycling rate about the negative environmental New Zealand received a wake- for e-waste in 2016 compared to and health impacts on uncontained up call in December 2017 when the New Zealand’s official collection rate e-waste materials such as plastics, country was named and shamed of zero per cent. lead, barium, beryllium, cadmium, in a UN-backed report as a nation hexavalent chromium, selenium, that not only generates among What is the e-waste mercury and arsenic. The solution the highest volumes of e-waste in problem? to this problem, adopted by every the world but also has the lowest Electronic waste was first other developed country, lies with documented rates for recycling.2 highlighted as a growing problem industry-led for New Zealand in 2006 in a report schemes with regulatory support prepared for the Ministry for the from governments.

20 we have really dropped the ball, as What is e-waste the UN report points out. What we The government has supported product stewardship? need is a permanent and sustainable a number of short-term e-waste solution, and this now needs some collection and recycling initiatives. Producers and importers of urgent action by government. These have included the annual eDay electronic equipment are computer collection events from responsible for taking back and Legislative framework 2006 to 2010,7 the RCN e-Cycle recycling equipment when it reaches enacted in 2008 scheme from 2010 to 2014 and its end of life. In effect, a small levy Ten years ago, the government the TV Takeback programme from is added to the price of all electronic legislated a framework for product 2012-2014. Together, these activities equipment at the point of sale, and stewardship schemes as part of the over 10 years have diverted around this levy is then held by an industry- Waste Minimisation Act 2008, but 800,000 electronic devices from managed organisation to fund since then has failed to progress any at a cost to the government the costs of responsible recycling. sustainable scheme for consumer of around $20 million (or $25 per Electronic equipment suppliers in e-waste. The one exception has been device). But during the same 10 New Zealand have repeatedly made for mobile phones. Spark, Vodafone years, an estimated 10 million new it clear to government that they will and 2degrees joined together for computers and TVs were sold in only do this if regulations are put the RE:mobile product stewardship New Zealand. in place to ensure compliance by scheme; these companies accept None of these initiatives has all suppliers, thereby avoiding the unwanted mobile phones at their resulted in a long-term sustainable problem of free-riders.5,6 retail stores and then arrange for solution; meanwhile, the volumes of Since 2006, the eDay Trust has the phones to be refurbished or new electronic equipment continue advocated for a sector-wide product recycled. The scheme is so successful to expand at 10 times the rate of stewardship scheme for all e-waste that profits from the sale of current recycling efforts. to be put in place. This is now equipment are helping to support operational in all OECD countries Sustainable Coastlines, an NGO except New Zealand. As a country, promoting clean water.

MARCH 2018 \ WASTEMINZ.ORG.NZ \ 21 Consumer support for New Zealand. It is also encouraging It is important that these three product stewardship that the WasteMINZ Territorial goals are tackled in the above order; Authority Forum has supported some have suggested that simply Research carried out by UMR the establishment of mandatory banning e-waste in landfills will Research, NZIER and the Wellington product stewardship schemes for solve the problem, but this leads Waste Forum over the past 10 years e-waste as part of their Waste to fly-tipping or on has consistently shown consumer Management Manifesto.8 roadsides and other public spaces.10 support for a scheme where the cost Similarly, the previous government of recycling is built into the purchase Three goals for attempted to tackle the problem price of new equipment. In 2016, e-waste by supporting the establishment research by the Wellington Waste of local collection points, but these Forum (a collaborative initiative of In an e-waste manifesto, the eDay proved unsustainable, and the local authorities in the lower North Trust has suggested three goals for company setting them up went Island), revealed that 63 per cent of addressing the e-waste problem: out of business.11 The first goal would be happy to 1. All suppliers of electronic is the most important and must pay as much as $30 extra for new equipment (producers and come first, as this provides the electronic equipment if there was an importers) contribute to necessary revenue stream to sustain assurance the equipment would be an industry-led product well-managed e-waste recycling recycled responsibly at end of life. stewardship scheme no later businesses. So, given this consumer than 30 June 2020. preference and the high cost to 2. Consumers are able to easily What now? government of supporting short- dispose of end-of-life electronic The next step is up to the Minister. A term recycling initiatives, Sage’s equipment at no cost. remit to the 2013 LGNZ Conference announcement is a welcome step 3. All electronic equipment is provided the roadmap. It called on forward in creating a permanent 9 banned from landfills. the Minister to: and sustainable e-waste solution for

TM • declare electronic waste References (e-waste) a priority product 1. Pullar-Strecker, T. E-waste a ‘priority 9. eDay Trust. eWaste Manifesto, September under the provisions of the issue’ promises associate Environment 2017. eday.org.nz/news-and-resources/ Waste Minimisation Act (2008) Minister Eugenie Sage. Stuff, 21 January media/176-ewaste-manifesto.html • set a timetable for the 2018 10. Hansford D. Waste Not Want Not. New development of regulations 2. Balde CP, Forti V, Gray V, Kuehr T, Zealand Geographic, 134, Jul–Aug 2015 Stegmann P. The Global E-waste Monitor Nippert M. Fraudster’s ties to failed requiring all importers of 11. – 2017. United Nations University, waste firm. Sunday Star Times, 17 August electronic equipment to sign up International Telecommunication Union 2014 & International Solid Waste Association, to a product stewardship scheme 12. Cr Paul Bruce, with support from seven Bonn/Geneva/Vienna, 2017 for e-waste at the point of councils in the greater Wellington area, A report by SLR estimated 19kg of manufacture, assembly or entry 3. presented an e-waste remit to the e-waste per head of population, growing 2013 LGNZ Conference. The remit was to New Zealand to 27kg per head by the year 2030, adopted unanimously. • collaborate with suppliers E-waste Product Stewardship Framework for New Zealand, June 2015 of electronic equipment in 4. CANZ. e-Waste in New Zealand: Taking progressing a co-regulatory responsibility for end-of-life computers approach to product and TVs. July 2006 stewardship, aligned with 5. Pullar-Strecker T. Rethink urged on Australia.12 e-waste. The Dominion Post, July 2009 Now that we have the support of 6. $30 levy on TVs is price for e-waste. The Dominion Post. January 2009 the Minister, we need to make sure Laurence Zwimpfer chairs the eDay New 7. eDay Trust. eWaste in New Zealand: Five Zealand Trust, which was set up in 2010 to that she has the ongoing backing Years On. June 2011 promote product stewardship solutions for electronic waste. Laurence managed the of electronics suppliers, the waste 8. TA Forum. Local Government Waste national eDay computer waste collection industry, local authorities and the Management Manifesto. WasteMINZ, events from 2006 to 2010 and is a tireless public to address this issue with January 2018 advocate for e-waste product stewardship. urgency.

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Morrison Low hal page 10 210.indd 1 16/02/18 10:56 AM WASTE MINIMISATION, RECYCLING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY HAVE BECOME PRIORITY ISSUES FOR GOVERNMENT, BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES. ENVIRONZ IS PROUD TO OFFER A RANGE OF SERVICES THAT ARE CONSIDERED TO BE AMONG NEW ZEALAND’S MOST INNOVATIVE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE, INCLUDING:

Waste and Recycling Services Soil Remediation Services EnviroWaste is the trusted partner of choice for EnviroWaste provides specialist remediation 18 New Zealand councils, providing municipal services to consultants and landowners who have services to 480,000 households, and thousands contaminated sites. We take responsibility for of commercial and private residential customers all health, safety and environmental compliance throughout New Zealand. aspects of the remediation project, as well as budget and programme management. Sustainability Reporting An important part of managing waste and recycling Product Destruction Services is to maintain comprehensive records of the EnviroWaste has a secure, dedicated facility in quantities, volumes and weights of each waste Auckland that provides a product destruction and stream. The EnviroNZ reporting software is an re-use service. Our objective is to maximise the extremely powerful tool that provides data in recovery of food waste, product and packaging for multiple formats, including online. recycling and re-purpose, while meeting customer sustainability goals and protecting brand integrity. Liquid and Services Staffed by a team of qualified professionals, we work with our customers to identify, manage and dispose of hazardous and liquid waste, while meeting all corporate, regulatory and social responsibilities.

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WASTE MINIMISATION, RECYCLING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY HAVE BECOME PRIORITY ISSUES FOR GOVERNMENT, BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES. ENVIRONZ IS PROUD TO OFFER A RANGE OF SERVICES THAT ARE CONSIDERED TO BE AMONG NEW ZEALAND’S MOST INNOVATIVE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE, INCLUDING: A U ow T s h Waste and Recycling Services Soil Remediation Services en ks EnviroWaste is the trusted partner of choice for EnviroWaste provides specialist remediation i ac or r tr 18 New Zealand councils, providing municipal services to consultants and landowners who have ese don s services to 480,000 households, and thousands contaminated sites. We take responsibility for arch Sea ve wa fellow Dr Jeff mo y. of commercial and private residential customers all health, safety and environmental compliance ste le bled om throughout New Zealand. aspects of the remediation project, as well as gislation has ena on ar ec budget and programme management. towar e circul Sustainability Reporting ds a mor While early measures to control An important part of managing waste and recycling Product Destruction Services HILE MANY will were already is to maintain comprehensive records of the EnviroWaste has a secure, dedicated facility in lament the 40 in place through the Health Act 1956 quantities, volumes and weights of each waste Auckland that provides a product destruction and per cent increase stream. The EnviroNZ reporting software is an re-use service. Our objective is to maximise the of , I approached and the Local Government Act 1974, extremely powerful tool that provides data in recovery of food waste, product and packaging for in waste going to the principal and suggested a which recognised that waste was a multiple formats, including online. recycling and re-purpose, while meeting customer landfillW since the Waste Minimisation programme that would get rid of the health issue and local government sustainability goals and protecting brand integrity. Act (WMA) came into force,1 it is a need to burn. He agreed, as long as had a responsibility to manage Liquid and Hazardous Waste Services good time to reflect on what things it didn’t cost anything, took no time it, there were no requirements Staffed by a team of qualified professionals, we were like 30 years ago and the work with our customers to identify, manage and on the part of anyone in the school on how to manage it under the dispose of hazardous and liquid waste, while significant change that legislation and no one had to change what Town & Country Planning Act 1977. meeting all corporate, regulatory and social has brought about in this time. they were doing. I passed on the Furthermore, the restructuring responsibilities. In 1989 I was living next to a ‘opportunity’. Similarly, on weekends, of local government by the Local primary school that announced my neighbours would light up their Government Amendment Act If you would like to know more about our services and how we can work together for a greener tomorrow, 3pm by burning the day’s rubbish. If backyard 200-litre drums producing (No 2) 1989 removed the role of please visit www.environz.co.nz or give us a call on 0800 240 120. my washing was not off the line by columns of black smoke, once again regional councils in waste planning, then, the black speckles would mean to the detriment of my washing. My, something they had been able to a certain rewash. A few years later, how things have changed! coordinate previously on a regional after I had discovered the wonders basis.

MARCH 2018 \ WASTEMINZ.ORG.NZ \ 25 Shift to outcomes- based approach

Disasters in the 1980s, like Bhopal (1984), Chernobyl (1986) and Exxon Valdez (1989) focused the world’s attention on health, safety and the environmental standards for air environment. This was reflected in quality in 2004, hastened the end of New Zealand by the work that led small landfills, leaving us with 43 — up to the Resource Management and declining — nationally. Act (RMA) 1991. A major change in The 1990s was also a time when thinking came with the RMA from the newly restructured councils were being prescriptive, as in the previous reinventing recycling and cashing in Town and Country Planning Acts, to on the short-term benefits of selling an outcomes-based approach. Most off waste services to the private of the future Acts of Parliament sector, which has now resulted in the listed below were also outcomes long-term loss of control of waste in based. their territories. The difficulty in implementing Culture change these Acts arose when the government did not allocate Hard on the heels of the RMA funding for upskilling planners, was the Health and Safety Act in Gas wells which resulted in them retreating to Employment 1992, which took the safety of prescriptive rules (such the focus of waste away from just as house colours in Queenstown) the health effects of pathogens • Installation of and subsequent anger from and brought it on to the health large diameter gas businesses at the perceived hurdles and safety of those working in the drainage wells put in front of development. As industry. The culture change in the • Environmental Marian Hobbs noted when she was industry because of this Act has drilling for Minister for the Environment, “The been dramatic and has been further piezometers and RMA is a beautifully crafted Act that enhanced by the Health and Safety monitoring wells no one understands”. at Work Act 2015. One of the major effects of Two measures in 1996 completed • Consultation for the RMA was the necessity for the groundwork to enable New well design the assessment of environmental Zealand to start the move to effects as a precursor to issuing a more circular economy: the resource consents that permitted Hazardous Substances and New discharges to the environment. Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996 and This Act signalled the end of the Local Government Amendment dumps and the new era of sanitary Act (No. 4). HSNO replaced the landfills. The RMA also provided the outdated prescriptive Dangerous conditions for the Ministry for the Goods Act 1974 with an Act that Environment publication Guide to tried to provide resilience in this Landfill Consent Conditions in 2001, rapidly changing area. The Local which, along with the emissions Government Amendment Act trading scheme charges resulting introduced development of waste Past Projects have included: from the Climate Change Response management plans for local Methane Gas Drainage for AB Limes Act 2002 and the national authorities as well as defining the Drilling of 3 x 17 metre deep holes and installation of gravel packed 150mm slotted PVC in 2.5 weeks. New Zealand waste management Methane Gas Supply for Christchurch City Council hierarchy. Installation of 13 gas drainage wells, a total of 300 lineal metres drilled over 7 weeks. 0800 483 926 26 rather than just the manufacturer or importer. In many cases, this The real potential New Zealand continued to mindset has yet to sink in. respond to international drivers. for the Act to Increased funding and The government was under fire lead to a circular provisions for action internationally for how it was economy is yet to responding to the new climate The WMA opened up a whole be revealed! One change crisis in the mid-2000s, and, new era with funding for waste at home, three Auckland councils minimisation — roughly $30 million thing is for sure: failed in court to institute a local per annum as opposed to $500,000 the next 30 years levy to fund waste minimisation from the sustainable management will see even more programmes. The response to fund and whatever council officers this was the “Sustainability Six- could scrape from their meagre change. Pack” in 2007, in which the Waste budgets. In addition, actual disposal Minimisation Bill in Nándor quantities, rather than guestimates, Tánczos’s name was adopted by the are recorded for a select number of References Labour Government as the vehicle landfills — resulting in an initial 25 1. bit.ly/MFE-WasteLevyGraph for the current Act. per cent drop in quantities reported 2. bit.ly/UNEP-pubs There is little remaining from and audited on — some of which was 3. bit.ly/UNEP-GlobalOutlook the original bill in the current Act, presumably diverted to other types but a number of the ideas carried of disposal. Further sections in the through. The Act was a first, in that Act provided for the Waste Advisory a private member’s bill was adopted Board, which different ministers by the government, and the Ministry have either sought advice from or for the Environment had to take on used to fulfil the bare minimum an enforcement role. The legislation requirements. brought New Zealand up to the The WMA has all the provisions world best practice, as can be seen necessary to allow ministers to act. Dr Jeff Seadon works at AUT. While at the Ministry for the Environment, he managed in the UN Guidelines for Framework With climate change on the agenda the parliamentary process that resulted Legislation for Integrated Waste and worldwide waste issues gaining in the Waste Minimisation Act 2008. More Management,2 where our legislation prominence, as shown in the Global recently, Jeff has developed guidelines for the United Nations, provided advice to 3 is extensively quoted. One of the Waste Management Outlook, numerous governments internationally on most significant elements is that, together with a new government waste legislation and locally works strongly in providing practical solutions to aid in a world first, we legislated for that has waste prominently on its transition to the circular economy. product stewardship rather than agenda, we can expect to see all extended producer responsibility to our waste legislation applied more reinforce full life-cycle responsibility, widely.

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care products and pesticides, for example, exhibit endocrine- disrupting behaviour. These include triclosan and triclocarban, which MERGING CONTAMINANTS are antibacterials used in personal (ECs) is a term gaining Concern is care products such as soaps, increased usage to describe detergents and toothpastes, as growing about the a range of substances well as in household products such environmental thatE can include both synthetic or as clothing, toys and paints. They and human health naturally occurring chemicals as are persistent in the environment 1 impact of a range of well as micro-organisms. While and are a source of toxic and contaminants found in some contaminants are new, many carcinogenic compounds that can have been around for some time, bioaccumulate in aquatic plants personal, household, and it is only recently that we have pharmaceutical, and animals as well as acting as started becoming concerned about endocrine disruptors.4 industrial, agricultural, their impact on the environment. As horticultural and such, they are often referred to as Environmental veterinary products. contaminants of emerging concern.2 Protection Waikato Regional ECs are found in household Authority role and personal care products, Council environmental In New Zealand, the Environmental pharmaceuticals, veterinary Protection Authority (EPA) is chemist Jonathan medicines, agrichemicals, responsible under the Hazardous Caldwell explores the pesticides, fire retardants and other Substances and New Organisms issues and potential industrial products. Significant Act for the regulation of hazardous way forward for sources of ECs in New Zealand substances, which need to be include discharges from wastewater managing these approved before they can be used treatment plants, landfill contaminants. in New Zealand. Around 28,500 leachate, storm water, agriculture, hazardous chemicals have been horticulture and antifouling paints.1 approved and are currently An important subset of ECs is registered in the New Zealand referred to as endocrine-disrupting Inventory of Chemicals.5 chemicals, which were the early focus of research on ECs.3 Many of the ECs found in personal

28 The EPA has the ability to re- Monitoring programmes, assess approvals for chemicals, therefore, need to be better and recently revoked approvals for designed to gather information the antifouling co-biocides irgarol from the various interconnected and chlorothalonil as well as 18 domains, such as soils, air, surface veterinary medicine and insecticide water, groundwater, sediments and products including carbaryl, marine environments, in order to chlorpyrifos and diazinon. A better establish the sources and the Plan rules for controlling the watching brief is also being kept on sinks of ECs. discharge of contaminants into glyphosate in response to increasing Another barrier to monitoring the environment. These regional international debate on whether it ECs is the availability of guidelines. differences, in addition to the focus is a carcinogen.5 Impacts of ECs are normally of our current environmental In addition to this, there are associated with long-term chronic regulations and guidelines on many ECs that are not covered effects of exposure rather than traditional priority contaminants, by the EPA approval process immediate acute effects. In addition and the overwhelming number of because they are not considered to this, there is often limited ECs that could require research hazardous substances in the form or confounding toxicological and monitoring, constrain regional in which they are imported, for information available to derive councils to investigating traditional example, flame retardants that are robust guidelines for protection, contaminants. incorporated into plastic products while the availability of laboratory Despite the limited monitoring such as computers and other providers for analysis of ECs is often information available regarding electronic devices. limited and expensive. ECs within the New Zealand A recent study into environment,3 preliminary research PFAS example polybrominated diphenyl ethers and in New Zealand indicates that the of difficulties phosphate-based flame retardants concentration of ECs in waste and in mobile phones and computers An example of the difficulties receiving environments is similar identified significant variations encountered in managing and to that reported in other developed in the concentrations of these monitoring ECs is provided by countries.7 compounds in swipes taken from the group of organic compounds There are some recent reviews the surfaces of different brands referred to collectively as PFAS (per- that have made a good start of mobile phones.6 The results of and poly-fluoroalkyl substances). at addressing these issues by this study highlight the potential This class of over 300 related providing some guidance on priority exposure to these contaminants compounds has been commercially indicators for sediment monitoring from dermal contact with the produced since the 1950s, and the within the Auckland, Greater surface of electronic devices. compounds are used in a variety of Wellington, Waikato and Canterbury commercial products and industries, regions.1,8 Current constraints including textile coatings (e.g., Another confounding factor is Goretex® and Scotchgard™), non- Regional councils have a regulatory that environmental monitoring stick cookware (e.g., Teflon™), food function under the Resource programmes are often focused packaging, misting suppressants Management Act to control the on monitoring within individual used for chromium electroplating discharge of contaminants to environmental domains rather operations, firefighting foams and the environment and to monitor than taking an integrated approach, in the electronic and aerospace their state. Each of the 16 regional which in part has been driven by industries. or unitary councils within New the Ministry for the Environment’s PFAS compounds are very Zealand has its own drivers focus on separate environmental water soluble, persistent, bio- and pressures for prioritising domains. 9,10,11 contaminants of concern, which accumulative and toxic. will be reflected in the various While guidelines have been Regional Policy Statement and developed for some of the

MARCH 2018 \ WASTEMINZ.ORG.NZ \ 29 longer-chain PFAS compounds Conclusion in both aquatic and soil-based • management policies that Whether we refer to them as environments, there is still much take a precautionary approach emerging contaminants of concern debate internationally about the in the absence of conclusive or contaminants of emerging appropriate levels of protection. In information concern, the term describes the a soil environment, the question • a need for policy and treatment ever increasing and changing is whether protection of human technology for source control/ suite of chemicals that are found health is the driving receptor for removal and product stewardship in household and personal care guideline derivation or whether to avoid or minimise ECs with products, pharmaceuticals, the focus should be protection known or suspected risk veterinary medicines, agrichemicals/ of groundwater or surface water pesticides, fire retardants and other runoff, as these compounds are • a need to identify the barriers to industrial products for which there is so water soluble. For protection of uptake of any policy or strategy increasing evidence of potential harm ecological receptors in a freshwater including risk communication to 13 to ecological and human health. environment, the draft ANZECC the public. The current constraints include guideline value is very low (parts limitations around the availability per trillion for PFOS) and therefore National strategy of monitoring information, avoidance of cross-contamination An outcome of this workshop laboratory providers, monitoring during sample collection and has been the setting up of a New and analytical methodologies, laboratory analysis presents some Zealand advisory panel on ECs guidelines and prioritisation of ECs. large challenges.12 with representatives from regional Overcoming these constraints will councils, central government, crown require: Ways forward research institutes and industry • a consistent and integrated The following needs were identified to develop a National Strategy to approach to monitoring ECs for overcoming current constraints Manage ECs in New Zealand. across all environmental at an Emerging Contaminants The aim of the strategy is domains workshop held recently in to provide a clear pathway to • development and improvement Wellington: improve the management and of current monitoring and • identification of priority awareness of the risks and impacts analytical capabilities contaminants for monitoring of ECs. The strategy’s mission is to relevant to all regions of New communicate knowledge of ECs • policy development based on a Zealand to ensure protection of prosperity, more precautionary approach

• a need for consistent sampling health and wellbeing in Aotearoa, • removal of ECs at the source and laboratory methodologies and to determine the potential and development of product to ensure meaningful results risk to future food production, stewardship programmes and detection limits for decision risk to trade and our ability to • increasing the public’s awareness makers meet international regulations, of ECs in consumer products and to support tourism and • development of technologies in order to create behaviour aquaculture. The strategy identifies to improve field detection (e.g., change. the need to engage and work with passive samplers) It is anticipated that the current policy developers, industry and • demonstration of clear effects in development of a National Strategy PROUD TO BE international partners to manage receiving environment and risk to Manage ECs in New Zealand will 100% OWNED & OPERATED BY KIWIS! ECs.14 to public health set the strategic framework for overcoming existing constraints to WITH OVER 30 YEARS AT THE FOREFRONT • more integrated monitoring of innovation in agricultural, environmental programmes across monitoring and managing ECs. and food testing, we’ve stood the test of time and proudly maintained our independence. environmental domains In that same time, many others have come and gone, or sold to overseas interests. HILL LABORATORIES. TRIED, TESTED AND TRUSTED. SEAL7179RM1

30 FOR MORE INFO FREEPHONE 0508 HILL LABS (44 555 22) www.hill-laboratories.com

References 1. Stewart M et al. 2016. An update on 8. Stewart M. 2017. Emerging organic representatives from Auckland Council, emerging organic contaminants of contaminants in the Waikato region’s Environment Canterbury, Environment concern for New Zealand with guidance coastal marine area compared to other Southland and Greater Wellington, on monitoring approaches for councils. New Zealand regions. Waikato Regional Hawke’s Bay and Waikato Regional Auckland Council Technical Report Council Internal Series 2017/16, prepared Councils. Presentation at Emerging 2016/006. by Streamlined Environmental for organic contaminants of concern 2. Sauvé S, Desrosiers M. 2014. A review Waikato Regional Council. workshop, Wellington, December 2016. of what is an emerging contaminant. 9. Pancras T et al. 2016. Environmental 14. Arbuckle C. 2017. Personal Chemistry Central Journal, 8:15. fate and effects of poly- and communication from Chris Arbuckle of 3. Tremblay LA et al. 2011. Review of the perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), Aspiring Environmental. risks of emerging organic contaminants Report No. 8/16, prepared by ARCADIS and potential impacts to Hawke’s Bay. for the Concawe Soil and Groundwater Cawthron Report No. 1973, prepared for Taskforce (STF/33), June 2016. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. 10. Kallenborn R et al. 2005. Perfluorinated 4. Halden RU et al 2017. Brief alkylated substances (PFAS) in the Communication – The Florence Nordic environment. TemaNord Statement on Triclosan and 2004:552, Nordic Council of Ministers. Triclocarban, Environmental Health 11. US Environmental Protection Agency. Perspectives, 125(6):064501. 2017. US Environmental Protection Dr Jonathan Caldwell is a senior scientist 5. NZ Environmental Protection Agency. epa.gov/chemical-research/ (environmental chemist) in the Land and Authority. 2017. epa.govt.nz, accessed research-and-polyfluoroalkyl- Soil Team at Waikato Regional Council. He substances-pfas, accessed September September 2017. provides science support for the Council’s 2017. 6. Zheng X et al. 2017. Flame retardants air quality, contaminated land and diffuse on the surface of phones and personal 12. Rumsby A. 2017. PFAS – Soil and contaminant monitoring programmes computers. Science of the Total Groundwater Investigations for PFAS, and provides advice on environmental Environment, 609, 541–545. Presentation at ALGA Workshop – chemistry matters in general. Jonathan started with Waikato Regional Council in 7. Stewart M et al. 2009. Field analysis of Investigating Sites Contaminated with January 2007. Prior to this he worked for chemicals of emerging environmental Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances seven years as a keratin fibre research concern in Auckland’s aquatic (PFAS), Auckland, August 2017. scientist at Canesis Network Ltd (formerly sediments. Auckland Regional Council 13. Caldwell J et al. 2016. Emerging WRONZ) in Lincoln. He has a DPhil in organic contaminants of concern – A Technical Report 2009/021, prepared by Chemistry from the University of Waikato. NIWA for Auckland Regional Council. perspective from Regional Council

PROUD TO BE 100% OWNED & OPERATED BY KIWIS!

WITH OVER 30 YEARS AT THE FOREFRONT of innovation in agricultural, environmental and food testing, we’ve stood the test of time and proudly maintained our independence. In that same time, many others have come and gone, or sold to overseas interests. HILL LABORATORIES. TRIED, TESTED AND TRUSTED. SEAL7179RM1

FOR MORE INFO FREEPHONE 0508 HILL LABS (44 555 22) www.hill-laboratories.com

DO YOU HAVE NEWS TO SHARE? These are your pages – email Jenny FROM THE REGIONS at [email protected]

PROHIBITED ITEMS CAUSING LANDFILL FIRES

Three Wairarapa councils have cautioned residents after landfill disposal provider Midwest Disposals reported a dramatic increase in the number of fires occurring in landfills over the past two years. Fires that start during working hours are extinguished immediately; E-WASTE FREEBIE NZ'S FIRST STRAW- however, those that start after A BIG SUCCESS FREE TOWN hours can spread quickly and can A campaign is underway to make have devastating effects and costs. An “e-waste freebie” run by the Rangiora the first New Zealand town They pose a significant risk to the Clutha District Council resulted in to give up on plastic straws. continued operation of the landfill more recyclable material than was business, as well as potentially to bargained for. The initiative allowed The owner of Fools of Desire cafe neighbours and to those fighting to customers to drop off a limited in Rangiora, Elisa Leach, made the extinguish the fires. number of TVs and computers at no call to change from plastic straws charge for recycling at Mt Cooee. after watching footage of a straw There are three major causes of being removed from a turtle’s landfill fires: Waste Minimisation Officer Laura nostril. Every straw in her cafe is • lithium-ion rechargeable Gourley said the response was so fully recyclable, either made from batteries exceptional that the funding lasted paper or metal, and now she is on • discarded emergency flares just three days. “More than 100 a mission to get the entire town of • hot ashes. items had been collected by the 18,000 to follow her example. second day, and we ended up with The dramatic increase in the use of more than double the number of She says her efforts have won lithium-ion rechargeable batteries items expected for recycling.” over five cafes and restaurants in mobile phones, tablets, laptop so far, as well as gaining support computers, and gaming and other In all, 230 items were collected from Waimakariri District Council. mobile devices has led to a significant and will be transported to Cargill Councillor Wendy Doody says, “I increase in the number of fires Enterprises in Dunedin for recycling, think it's a wonderful idea, and occurring. Emergency flares, most with the final cost of the initiative council is right behind it”. often used by boaties, are often running to $4500. Also joining the sustainable straw discarded when they pass their expiry Ms Gourley says, “Due to this movement is the local Monteith’s date. These devices are explosive and initiative’s popularity, we will be bar, much to the surprise of Bob contain chemicals that are highly looking at other similar projects for Blair. “If you’d asked me 20 years reactive, setting alight adjacent the future and potentially set up in ago, or even 10 years ago, I wouldn't refuse when activated, usually by communities outside Balclutha”. have been interested at all, but you crushing. Hot ashes, most commonly Clutha District Council know, times are changing, and you occurring during winter, are the third bit.ly/E-waste-freebie have to recognise that.” major fire starter.

Newshub South Wairarapa District Council News bit.ly/Rangiora-straw-free-town bit.ly/Landfill-fires

32 ORANGUTANS GO APE OVER GARDEN WASTE

Pruned foliage from the Christchurch Botanic Gardens is

being fed to orangutans at Orana NEWSLINE CCC PHOTOS Wildlife Park to liven up their diet. Staff at the Gardens have been COUNCIL COUNCIL developing a relationship with the FRUSTRATED WITH TO REWARD wildlife park that will see them RECYCLING RECYCLING donating plant material that is used CHAMPIONS as food or something to play with, Carterton District Council has City Council will or to improve enclosures for the acknowledged the frustration felt reward small recycling efforts that animals and birds. about poor communication of its have a big impact on reducing waste reinforcement of a two recycling- Two loads of pruned foliage from sent to landfill. crate policy and has apologised to the Gardens that would otherwise residents for the inconvenience Across Palmerston North, have been dumped as caused over the busy holiday period. thousands of residents are diligently have already been delivered to using the city’s kerbside recycling Orana. That included a goody The current arrangement between service. A random selection of bag of mulberry, roses, daylilies, all three Wairarapa councils and the people who have been spotted bamboo, elm, kawakawa, mahoe waste management contractor is correctly recycling by placing the and coprosma grandifolia dropped to only collect two recycling crates correct and clean items in the off for the orangutans in December. from each household within the will have a tag placed Fern fronds and banana palm leaves urban collection area. Households on their bins. Each month, those were provided for the great apes to are able to purchase replacements receiving a tag can enter a draw to play with. from their local council offices win a $50 grocery voucher. if their crates are lost, stolen or Operations Manager Gardens and damaged. PNCC Behavioural Change Heritage Nicky Brown says, “This Coordinator Samantha Battman is a win-win. The animals get to The council has acknowledged that says, “There are people consistently supplement their diet with a wider there are times when a household doing the right thing with their range of foliage and food, and their can accumulate recycling that will fill recycling — we want to recognise lives are enriched by plants they can more than two crates, which results their efforts. By doing this, we hope play with, and we get to reduce our in an excess of recyclable material it will encourage a wider behavioural green waste.” being placed at the kerbside. change to recycle right.” Christchurch City Council Newsline bit.ly/ Carterton District Council News Orangutans-go-ape bit.ly/CDC-acknowledges-frustration Palmerston North City Council News bit.ly/Recycling-champions-rewarded

MARCH 2018 \ WASTEMINZ.ORG.NZ \ 33 SECTOR GROUPS Nic Quilty Senior Projects Manager [email protected]

waste” and make the most of their are currently identifying potential BEHAVIOUR CHANGE leftover turkey and Christmas treats. webinars in this area and will keep Year Two of the Love Food Hate you posted. The best practice guide for campaign has now finished. waste event signage was completed The Steering Committee met on All key performance indicators were and launched at the WasteMINZ 6 December 2017 and again on significantly exceeded. Highlights conference and can be downloaded 14 February 2018, both of which included building a pyramid out of at bit.ly/EventWasteGuide. the Ministry for the Environment 2,283 loaves of bread, the amount attended to discuss their work wasted every hour in New Zealand; WasteMINZ has also been programme. Agenda items partnering with Mitsubishi Electric working with Para Kore to create also included reviewing the to give away a stand-alone freezer, a standardised list of te reo Māori contaminated land management and with Sunbeam to give away translations for recycling signage. An stream at the conference, potential a vacuum sealer (both items help initial consultation was completed in webinars for 2018, the BRANZ people to store their food effectively); November 2017 and a final review of Guidelines for Assessing & Managing and working with Community Fruit the translations was undertaken in Asbestos in Soil, the sector group’s Harvesting on a video showing how February 2018. work plan and SQEPs. to turn surplus fruit and vegetables CONTAMINATED into chutney. This is one of a series On 14 February 2018, the sector of videos we will be making in Year LAND MANAGEMENT group wrote to the Minister for the Three, as we teach people basic Due to a lot of hard graft from a Environment David Parker asking preserving skills such as making WasteMINZ working group, the the Ministry to support the Certified jam and chutney, and pickling, asbestos workshop held at the Environmental Practitioners (Site which helps them make the most of WasteMINZ conference was very well Contamination) Scheme. seasonal food gluts. Finally, over the attended. The panel discussion, in DISPOSAL TO LAND Christmas period, we encouraged particular, proved to be very popular, people to “Give a cluck about food generating a lot of dialogue. We After a number of meetings with the Regional Waste and Contaminated Land Officers Forum and the YEAR 2 TARGETS Ministry for the Environment, it has been agreed that some changes to the Technical Guidelines for Disposal to Land will be made in the next website facebook couple of months. The updated UNIQUE PAGE PAGE POST POST USERS SESSIONS ENGAGE- document will then be published. target VIEWS LIKES REACH MENT 120,000 200,000 350,000 20,000 800,000 50,000 The more substantive additions that 67% 50% 50% 68% 650% 430% were suggested will require further exceeded by E BOOM! wow! funding.

34 The Steering Committee sent 2018 work plan, discussed the their members involved with a letter on 16 February 2018 to level of risk associated with compostable packaging and to the Associate Minister for the methamphetamine-contaminated work with other industries to Environment Eugenie Sage on items at refuse transfer stations and agree on a compostable packaging behalf of the Sector Group. The resource recovery parks, received standard. Steering Committee letter noted the group’s support for updates on the two guidelines and members will be working closely the outcomes of the review of the the benchmarking project, and with the Packaging Forum to Waste Disposal Levy, and the need discussed a letter to the Minister for ensure any labelling system that to prioritise expanding the levy to the Environment regarding e-waste. may result from this standard is more facilities. ORGANIC MATERIALS both meaningful to consumers and The Committee met on 1 December reduces contamination. 2017 and 13 February 2018. The Steering Committee met in February 2018. From 1 December TERRITORIAL HEALTH & SAFETY 2017, controls on hazardous AUTHORITY FORUM substances (including agrichemicals) WorkSafe New Zealand has now The TA Forum met in November in workplaces to manage risks to given their feedback on the Good 2017 and agreed on a set of strategic workers (and others) are set under practice guidelines to manage the priorities that would enable local collection, receipt, transport and the Health and Safety at Work Act government to minimise waste disposal of asbestos waste and the and enforced by WorkSafe New to landfill more effectively. The working group met on 25 January Zealand. There are various changes priorities, listed below, formed the 2018 to discuss this. Further to the regulatory requirements, but basis of the Local Government changes are now being made to the the most visible to agrichemical Waste Manifesto which was sent guidelines, which should be out for users will be the end of the approved to Associate Minister for the consultation shortly. handler system. It is being replaced Environment Eugenie Sage in by a certified handler scheme. Auckland Transport are currently January 2018. However, this will only be required compiling their feedback on the for those using the most acutely The manifesto has five key elements: Good practice guidelines for waste toxic agrichemicals (hazard classes collection vehicle operators when they 1. Review the New Zealand 6.1A or 6.1B). are sharing the road with cyclists or Waste Strategy to set a clear collecting waste on cycle lanes. This Clopyralid-containing substances programme for action. feedback will then be discussed are Class 9.2A. Splitting controls 2. Expand the Waste Disposal Levy with the working group and the between the HSW and HSNO and progressively raise the levy to document updated prior to it going legislation has made it unclear reduce waste to landfill. out for consultation. whether there is still a legal

Impac has been appointed requirement for people to show 3. Officially adopt the National by WasteMINZ to collect and proof that they are suitably qualified Waste Data Framework to enable aggregate health and safety data before being able to purchase better planning and monitoring. clopyralid products. Prior to on a 12-month trial to enable seven 4. Introduce a Container Deposit 1 December 2017, clopyralid could industry players to benchmark, Scheme to lift recycling rates with a view that it will be rolled out only be purchased if an approved and reduce litter and marine industry wide once the trial has been handler’s certificate was shown. pollution. completed. The reporting templates The Steering Committee will be are currently being finalised, and the following up with the Environmental 5. Declare tyres, e-waste and trial should commence shortly. Protectin Authority to ensure that agrichemicals and plastics as the requirement to show a handler’s priority products. The Steering Committee met certificate remains in force. on 5 December 2017 and 20 You can read the Local Government February 2018 when they started The Packaging Forum has engaged Waste Manifesto at bit.ly/ developing the Sector Group’s Beyond the Bin to support LocalGovernmentWasteManifesto.

MARCH 2018 \ WASTEMINZ.ORG.NZ \ 35 ARE YOU STILL SENDING FOOD WASTE TO A LANDFILL?

FOOD WASTE PUT DOWN A DISPOSER CAN BE TURNED INTO RENEWABLE ENERGY!

InSinkErator food waste disposers are not only convenient and hygienic, but environmentally responsible too. That’s because when food waste goes down the disposer it’s not going to end up in a landfill site where it generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. It’ll actually end up at a wastewater treatment plant. Modern wastewater plants throughout New Zealand capture the methane gas generated during processing and convert it to renewable energy in the form of heat and electricity. So as well as using minimal electricity and about 1% of an average home’s annual water consumption, a food waste disposer offers a compelling solution for responsible food waste management.

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