Skip to main content.

Related legislation

Until the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 (the Act) came into place, waste was managed by legislation such as the Local Government Act 1974 and 2002, the RMA 1991, the Health Act 1956 and the Hazardous Substance and New Organisms Act 1996. Although these statutes are comprehensive, there was no statute specifically about waste minimisation. The Waste Minimisation Act has brought the waste management responsibilities of territorial authorities into one Act.

Related legislation

This diagram shows there is overlap between the key legislation relating to the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 (WMA). As illustrated, some areas are relevant to all three Acts.

The HSNO Act enables group standards, which could covers some substances including some waste streams. Substances covered by group standards are regulated under HSNO. The waste streams could also be regulated under the Waste Minimisation Act.

The Resource Management Act (RMA) deals with effects of activities on the environment including waste disposal. The Waste Minimisation Act also deals with the disposal and minimisation of waste.

The RMA also crosses over with the HSNO Act. In some instances the RMA can cover site effects where the substances stored, used or even disposed are also covered by HSNO group standards or other controls.

More information:

Last updated: 22 September 2009