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Dedicated waste minimisation funding

In September 2007, the government has released a Cabinet paper with its preferred option to secure funding for waste minimisation initiatives. The government proposes to introduce a national waste levy on all waste going to landfill.

What does the Cabinet paper say about a levy?

  • A levy on waste disposal sends a clear signal about the way New Zealand views waste, and shifts the cost away from those who take responsible action to reduce waste, and onto those who do not.
  • It is proposed that a national waste levy applies to all waste disposed at landfill.
  • The levy is initially set at $10 per tonne excluding GST. This is likely to generate $31 million per year for waste minimisation improvements.
  • Operators of disposal facilities will have to pay the levy based on the weight of material disposed at the facility.
  • The levy will be collected by the Ministry for the Environment from disposal facility operators.
  • Operators of waste disposal facilities can choose to pass the cost of the levy on to their customers (households and businesses). 
  • Operators of a waste disposal facility have to report to the Ministry for the Environment on the amount of waste disposed at the facility.
  • Fifty percent of the money that is generated by the levy will go to local authorities, on a population basis, so that they can improve waste minimisation in their area.
  • The remaining 50 percent (minus administration costs) of the money will be put into a fund. Councils, communities, businesses and other organisations can apply for funding from this fund to set up new waste minimisation activities. 
  • The Minister for the Environment will review the levy regularly to see whether it is effective and adequate.

See questions and answers webpage for information on the national waste levy.

Last updated: 3 April 2009