Understanding how we choose to avoid, reduce and manage waste

We are always interested to better understand how we avoid, reduce or create waste. We regularly conduct surveys and commission research to inform our waste management and minimisation activities.

Surveys

Measuring waste to landfill:

Our regional landfill business unit regularly surveys the waste going into the York Valley Landfill – this is called a SWAP (Solid Waste Analysis Protocol). You can find the reports here: https://www.ntrlbu.org.nz/swap-studies

Research

Council commissions research to support future waste management and minimisation in the region. It is also used to inform activities such as the review of the Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan done in conjunction with Tasman District Council.

Reports commissioned by Nelson City and Tasman District Councils

Investigate Options and Alternatives for the Diversion of Organic Waste (Tonkin & Taylor 2020) (780KB PDF)

This report investigates the big picture for potential future organic waste diversion. It is a high level review of organic waste streams; waste management approaches and options for Nelson/Tasman.

Food Waste Collection and Processing Solutions – Research and Initial Options Assessment (Eunomia 2023) (1.3MB PDF)

This report provides analysis of likely costs and performance of kerbside food waste collections. It provides modelling for collection services, costs, diversion from landfill and carbon performance.

Reusable Packaging Systems in Nelson-Tasman (Reuse Aotearoa 2022) (15MB PDF)

This report examines reuse activities in the hospitality and food industry in Nelson/Tasman to help us understand what is happening in our region and future opportunities.

If you would like information on how waste data is collected at a national level please go to this page: https://environment.govt.nz/facts-and-science/waste/improving-waste-data/

Waste minimisation research from other organisations

Behavioural Roadmap to Circular Consumption: https://www.behaviourworksaustralia.org/major-project/responsible-consumption-behavioural-roadmap-to-circular-consumption