The NZ Government announces a new waste and resource efficiency strategy and work programme.
On March 7, 2025, the New Zealand Government launched the new Waste and Resource Efficiency Strategy, aiming to reduce the environmental and economic harm caused by waste.
This means moving away from the outdated "take-make-dispose" model and instead keeping materials in use for as long as possible through reuse, repair, and recycling.
Key Components include an update of the laws to provide more effective tools for waste reduction and management, allocating the waste disposal levy funds to initiatives with significant waste reduction impacts, implementing measures to decrease emissions from waste, and improving management of the facilities handling resource recovery and waste disposal.
Local councils will play a major role in implementing this strategy, with several new responsibilities and opportunities:
Councils have the autonomy to decide on the implementation and timing of kerb-side waste collections, with government support available through the Waste Minimisation Fund.
Waste Management and Minimisation Plans (WMMPs) must align with the new national strategy, focusing on waste hierarchy principles, improved waste diversion, and better services for rural areas.
Community engagement is key—councils are encouraged to work with local groups on education programs and zero-waste initiatives.
While it's good to have in place, it's disappointing that some items were shelved, like mandatory kerb-side composting and recycling; and also the extended implementation timeframes put in place.
What’s in the Strategy?
This strategy brings several key changes, including:
One of the most significant goals of the strategy is to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. With waste levels rising and landfills filling up, urgent action is needed to minimise our environmental impact. Part of the plan includes strengthening product stewardship schemes, which will hold manufacturers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products—especially those that are difficult to recycle or dispose of safely.
To support this shift, the government is investing in better recycling infrastructure, making it easier for businesses and households to divert waste from landfills. There will also be a strong focus on public education and engagement, ensuring that communities understand the benefits of reducing waste and how they can play a part in this transformation.
While these changes are positive, some key measures were postponed, including mandatory kerbside composting and recycling, and extended implementation timeframes. Still, the overall direction of the strategy is a strong step forward for reducing waste and emissions.
What This Means for You
Businesses, households, and individuals - we all have a role to play in reducing waste and moving toward a circular economy.
As sustainability continues to be a key business and community focus, our decisions collectively make a difference. We can choose reusable products and recycle responsibly. We can also support businesses that prioritise sustainability. The shift is good for the environment, and it opens up new economic opportunities in areas like resource recovery, repair services, and sustainable product design.
Waste isn't just a local issue—it’s a climate issue too. Landfills are a major source of emissions. By improving waste management and reducing organic waste in landfills, we take positive steps toward lowering emissions New Zealand’s emission profile.
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