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Hazardous waste policy framework: Summary

The elements identified in this policy framework are those in place or under development as at June 2006. The Ministry realises that hazardous waste management is dynamic in nature and, as a result, the policy framework will be updated as new elements are needed, identified or developed. These changes will be made with advice and feedback from the Ministry’s Hazardous Wastes Advisory Group.

The elements and the roles and responsibility identified in this policy framework for those involved in hazardous waste management are complex. The policy framework aims to pull all of these elements together and present the picture of how hazardous wastes are managed. There are tools available which are improving the management of hazardous wastes, however given the dynamic nature of hazardous waste management these will change over time. 

Key tools of the policy framework

The following table outlines the key tools for each of the seven elements of the policy framework. It highlights which tools are compulsory (e.g. legislation/regulation) and which are voluntary (e.g. guidelines).

To see how the listed tools are improving hazardous waste management, click on that tool to be taken to the appropriate section.

Note: Acts listed in the table below are available on the NZ Legislation website, in the Statutes database.

Main element Legislation/Regulation Voluntary Tools
In place Under development In place Under development
Safe treatment and disposal of ‘historic’ hazardous waste Contaminated Land Management Guidelines Additional guideline for the Contaminated Land Management Guidelines for managing contaminated sheep dip sites
Incentives for the reduction, recovery and reuse of hazardous wastes   Landfill Full Cost Accounting Guide Product stewardship policy
Information on hazardous wastes generation   WasteTRACK – the New Zealand waste tracking system
Safe storage and transport of hazardous wastes Group Standards under HSNO for Hazardous Waste Liquid and Hazardous Waste Code of Practice WasteTRACK – the New Zealand waste tracking system
Safe disposal of hazardous wastes Group Standards under HSNO for Hazardous Waste Module 2 of the Hazardous Waste Guidelines: Landfill Waste Acceptance Criteria & Landfill Classification WasteTRACK – the New Zealand waste tracking system
Meeting international obligations National Implementation Plan for reduction of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS) under the Stockholm convention    
Roles and responsibilities
  • Ministry for the Environment & the RMA
  • Local Authorities & the LGA
  • Environmental Risk Management Authority & HSNO
      

 

Last updated: 17 September 2007