Waste
We will reduce waste by
50%
before 2030
Investing in our future with the Moa Point Sludge Minimisation Plant
Our organics collection will divert up to
70%
of organic waste from the landfill
We’ve opened the central city’s first resource recovery centre
We’re delivering on Wellington’s Zero Waste Strategy
Te Whare Wai Para Nuku our Sludge Minimisation Plant
The current sludge management system involves pumping sludge from Moa Point to the Southern landfill, a distance of 9 kilometres underground. To dispose of the sludge in the landfill, it needs to be mixed with general waste at a ratio of four parts general waste to one part sludge. This method makes us dependent on high volumes of waste, which is not sustainable, especially since the current landfill will reach capacity by 2026.
In 2020, a significant decision was made to invest in a future-proof sludge minimisation facility, currently under construction and expected to be completed by 2026. This new processing method enables the separation of sludge from large volumes of general waste.
New Zealand ranks among the highest waste producers in the OECD
Thanks to our investment in the Sludge Minimisation Plant we were able to significantly shrink our landfill extension. Combine this with our newly opened central city Resource Recovery Centre - Te Aro Zero Waste - and we’re well on our way to a circular economy.
We’ve also backed Fill Good, Wellington's first fully reusable cups and container system for events. You may have seen them at some of the events around Wellington with reusable cups, plates, and bowls. Fill Good aims to see reuse as standard across Wellington’s events, reducing waste going to landfill.
Organics and Food waste collection
Organic waste accounts for 25.5% of all waste sent to the Southern Landfill and 57% of household collections. To extend the lifespan of the new landfill for future Wellington residents, we aim to reduce organic waste by 50-70%. This waste can be converted into compost, supporting a circular economy rather than ending up in the landfill.
The council is enhancing our kerbside collection system with wheelie bins for rubbish, separate bins for food scraps and garden waste, and improved recycling services.
We are also working with regional councils to establish an organic processing facility, expected to be ready by 2027/28. Additionally, all contractors engaged by Wellington City Council will now receive the living wage.
