Council drops fortnightly rubbish trial; alternatives due in 2026
The six-month trial in Te Atatū Peninsula, Panmure/Tāmaki and Clendon Park/Weymouth has been shelved after strong opposition, with staff now tasked to find other ways to cut kerbside waste.
Auckland Council has decided not to proceed with a planned six-month trial of fortnightly kerbside rubbish collections in parts of Te Atatū Peninsula, Panmure/Tāmaki and Clendon Park/Weymouth.
The Policy, Planning and Development Committee made the call after considering public feedback and evidence on waste reduction and environmental outcomes. It has asked staff to develop alternative options to meet the Waste Minimisation and Management Plan 2024 target of a 29 per cent reduction in kerbside waste by 2030.
During consultation, 78 per cent of submitters who answered the relevant question opposed the trial, with concerns raised about how a two-week collection cycle would work for larger households. Committee chair Richard Hills said councillors took those views on board. “Aucklanders shared strong views during consultation, and we heard clearly that people were not confident that the proposed trial would work well at this time,” he said. “Reducing waste to landfill remains a priority, but it is important that any changes to kerbside services are workable for the communities involved.”
Staff will return to the committee in 2026 with a range of waste-minimisation options. Broader feedback on the Waste Minimisation and Management Plan 2024 showed overall support for its direction, with 66 per cent backing the plan and its targets.
General Manager Waste Solutions Justine Haves said the council remains committed to reducing waste. “The proposed trial would have an opportunity to test fortnightly rubbish collections as a way to reduce waste. We’ll continue working alongside communities to support that goal without the trial,” she said, adding that evidence-based options will go to the Governing Body next year.
Households in the proposed trial areas will be contacted to confirm their current weekly collection schedules remain unchanged. The committee’s decision and a summary of consultation feedback will be published on AK Have Your Say.
The council did not detail what alternative measures it will consider ahead of 2026.
This article was originally written by AI. You can view the original source here.