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Part B – Action Plan

1 Introduction

The action plan outlines the programme of action for achieving the vision, goals, objectives and targets of the WMMP, as outlined in Part A – Strategy, and should be considered in conjunction with that part of the WMMP. The introduction to the action plan should comment on the term of the action plan and when and how it will be updated and formally reviewed.

2 Funding structure [4.5.4] [see also Part A, section 6]

This section will be drawn from section 6 of Part A, summarising and/or repeating the overall funding structure/policy and mechanisms to be used. This will also be reflected in the actions below in Part B, section 3.

3 Targets and measurement [4.3][4.3.2][4.3.3]

The specific actions of the action plan support the objectives of the high-level strategy of your WMMP. In addition, the WMMP has quantifiable targets, which are important in providing a clear and measurable way to determine how well the council is achieving its goals. These targets should be ‘SMART’ (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely). How these targets are measured should be identified (eg, using the Solid Waste Analysis Protocol). Additional targets can be identified from legislation and policy (eg, NZWS, WMA s 49, and product stewardship legislation for priority products).

The options assessment may reveal that the cost of the actions required to achieve an objective outweigh the benefits, and the target may need to be modified to more realistically reflect the preferred option.

4 Action plan [4.4][4.5.4]

Action plans should describe the specific actions to be undertaken for each key area / waste stream, or for the objectives identified in your WMMP strategy in Part A.

4.1 Action planning tables

The tables are preceded by a description of a key waste stream and the council’s objective in relation to it. The action plan should show the approximate timeframe for implementation and the funding source of each action. The indicative funding sources may include rates, waste levy, funds from the contestable Waste Minimisation Fund, user charges, or a combination of sources. It is not essential to mention an actual budgeted amount for each project in your action plan, as these figures may be held in a separate internal budget and updated annually through the council’s annual plan process. In the action planning tables you may also want to indicate where a certain activity is positioned on the waste hierarchy and reference the NZWS targets, where applicable.

Councils have used a variety of methods to create action planning tables. Table A.1 shows one example of how action planning tables may be developed.

Example: Minimisation of organic waste to landfill.

Description: Insert a description or ‘problem statement’ and the council’s objective in relation to it. For example:

  • issue/background – problems arising from it

  • the situation – current and projected volumes, etc

  • the objective/outcome sought

  • the target sought

  • what the council is currently doing.

  • measurement/reporting and status.

Table A.1: Sample action planning table

Objective Specific actions New or existing action? Implementation timeframe Funding source Hierarchy position Reference to relevant NZWS targets
To minimise organic waste to landfill eg, composting of green waste deposited to refuse transfer station Existing Ongoing User fees / gate fees Recovery NZWS − organic waste targets 1 and 2
eg, kitchen food waste collection and processing New 2010/11 service commencement Waste levy funds Recovery NZWS − organic waste targets 1 and 2
eg, home composting promotion and/or incentive programme Existing Ongoing Rates or targeted rate for waste or waste minimisation Recovery NZWS − organic waste targets 1 and 2
eg, smart-shopping behaviour change courses and/or pilot programme New 2009/10 pilot Waste levy funds Reduction NZWS − organic waste targets 1 and 2

4.2 Action categories approach

Councils may decide on actions in a variety of ways. A number of councils use a set of ‘action categories’ or ‘key action areas’ to describe the types of actions they will undertake. In some cases these categories or action areas are described in the WMMP, and in other cases they are only used internally by councils to help them identify appropriate options/actions.

An approach to developing actions based on ‘five keys to zero waste’ is explained in the Zero Waste Strategy for Councils model.3 An example of how action categories have been adapted from the ‘five keys’ by Christchurch City Council is provided in Table A.2. Councils are not required to adhere to these action areas and are free to modify them to suit their needs, or to draw ideas from the WMMPs of other TAs.

Table A.2: Key action areas

Key action areas Description
Direct action Programmes or services that divert waste away from disposal (eg, composting, recycling and cleaner production programmes).
Develop appropriate economic tools Develop incentives and disincentives to advance waste minimisation, such as setting a high waste disposal charge and offering free or reduced-cost drop-off for recyclable/recoverable materials.
Enhance the rules The development and use of legal mechanisms such as bylaws and district and regional plan rules that promote waste minimisation and the beneficial use of resources (eg, a bylaw that prohibits the disposal of certain materials from landfill or cleanfill).
Advocacy and lobbying The promotion of waste minimisation issues that are beyond the direct control of local government, such as advocating for national extended producer responsibility legislation and accredited schemes.
Foster new ideas Promote and, where viable, support relevant research and development (eg, research into new social and economic understanding or new markets for recovered materials).
Engage the community Promote the understanding, commitment and engagement of the community in waste minimisation (eg, the promotion of kerbside recycling or home composting programmes).
Monitor and feedback Manage relevant data and information and provide feedback to the community (eg, reporting, performance and sustainability outcomes).
Utilise opportunities within council Advance opportunities within the council for reducing waste, using recyclable products, and utilising municipal compost (eg, procurement policies and leading by example).

 

3 The ‘five keys to zero waste’ are outlined in Zero Waste Strategy for Councils: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/withyou/funding/docs/4186_zap_report.pdf

 

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