The Solid Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw (2020) requires Waste Operators and Waste Collectors operating in the Wellington district who handle more than 20 tonnes of waste per annum to hold a licence. For further information, please refer to section 11 of the Bylaw.
At this stage, there is no fee associated with the licensing of waste collectors and waste operators. By 25 January 2024, a new licence will be required. This will require an application form to be completed and data provided to us about your waste activities.
What this means for Waste Operators and Collectors
We are working with the waste industry on the detail of reporting and information requirements which will be part of this licensing. However, in accordance with the Bylaw, it is likely that data and information on the following will be required:
- Quantity and type of waste being handled
- Where the waste is going to
- Frequency and location of collections
- Health and Safety
- Experience of waste management
- Details on how operations are contributing to the objectives of the Wellington Region Waste Management and Minimisation Plan.
Why we're doing this
The Bylaw requires all waste collectors and operators of waste facilities who handle more than 20 tonnes of waste per year to hold a licence from 25 January 2023. This requirement is now in place.
However, to do this properly we are proposing to engage with the waste sector to ensure the information being requested is fair and reasonable, and that it helps us achieve the outcomes of our Wellington Region Waste Management and Minimisation Plan.
Identifying if you are a Waste Collector or a Waste Operator
The Bylaw provides the following Definitions:
- Waste collector: Any person or entity that collects and transports waste and includes commercial and non-commercial collectors and transporters of waste (for example, community groups and not-for-profit organisations); but does not include individuals who collect and transport waste for personal reasons (for example, the owner taking their own household garden waste to a waste management facility).
- Waste operator: Any person or entity that operates a waste management facility.
- Waste management facility: A facility authorised by the Council which primarily provides waste treatment and disposal services or waste remediation and materials recovery services, in relation to solid waste. Includes but is not limited to waste transfer stations, resource recovery stations, recycling centres, composting facilities, landfills or clean fill sites, or hazardous waste facilities.
Contact us
If you would like more information or have any questions, email us at waste.licensing@wcc.govt.nz