Definition of a Multi-Unit Development
A Multi-Unit Development (MUD) is a multiple tenancy property comprising of 10 or more separately occupied residential units, whether in the same building or in separate buildings, and held either in common ownership or in separate ownership.
This includes a unit title development, a mixed use premises with business activities, and any development with controlled or restricted access, such as a gated community.
Changes under the Solid Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw (2020)
MUD owners and managers must now make adequate provision for the management of all waste, recycling and organic waste generated on site.
This includes arrangements for the regular collection of waste to the satisfaction of the Council, and the provision of adequate areas for:
- The storage of disposed of or discarded materials on the premises from any activity on that premises, and;
- The collection of disposed of or discarded material if collection occurs on the premises.
The new requirements vary, depending on whether the MUD is new or existing.
New MUDs (or change of use of an existing building into a MUD)
All new MUDs are now required to have a MUD Waste Management and Minimisation Plan.
The plan must be submitted by the owner or manager of the MUD, and needs to be approved by the Council prior to the commencement of any building work.
Tools to help you prepare your MUD Waste Management Plan
We have some tools to assist developers and building managers/owners when designing or renovating MUDs. These include:
- A guidance brochure outlining related regulatory requirements of the Solid Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw (2020) and how the new standards can be complied with.
Multi-Unit Development waste storage and servicing (172KB PDF)
- Downloadable signage for labelling waste streams within MUD waste storage areas. Multi-Unit Development waste labels (387KB PDF).
- An online waste storage space calculator to help you plan and design a waste storage space for a new MUD (being developed).
Existing MUDs
All Wellington City residents are required to dispose of discard material in line with the requirements set out in Clause 8 of the Solid Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw (2020).
If, for any reason, occupiers of existing MUDs are unable to do this, the MUD owner or manager will be required to submit a MUD Waste Management and Minimisation Plan to the Council. This must be done within three months of receiving a notification from the Council that a plan is required.
A list of specific requirements for new MUDs is included in Clause 12 of the Solid Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw (2020).
Waste plan exemptions
In accordance with Clause 12 of the Solid Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw (2020), the Council may, on application, grant a written exemption from compliance with all or any the requirements of this clause if:
- In the opinion of the Council, the costs of full compliance would be disproportionate to any resulting waste management and minimisation benefits; and/or
- The owner and/or the manager demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Council that recyclable material, organic waste and other wastes are separately and regularly collected.
Contact us
If you have any questions, email us at wasteplans@wcc.govt.nz