Draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan Our waste, our resources, our plan…your say

The WMMP is a strategic plan that sets out how Hastings District and Napier City Councils will manage and reduce waste over the next six years. It outlines goals, actions, and initiatives to minimise waste and improve recycling, composting, and resource recovery in our region.

Under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008, councils are required to review and update their Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP) every six years. This ensures that our approach to waste management stays relevant, effective, and aligned with environmental goals, population growth, and technological advancements.

Since the last plan was adopted, waste challenges have evolved—from increasing landfill pressures to changes in national recycling policies. A new WMMP allows us to assess what’s working, address emerging issues, and introduce new initiatives to reduce waste, improve recycling, and support a circular economy.

By updating the plan, we can ensure that Hawke’s Bay is on track to minimise waste, protect natural resources, and create a more sustainable future for our communities. That’s why we need your input- to make sure the new plan reflects local priorities and practical solutions.

Because of our close proximity and links, Hastings District Council and Napier City Council develop a waste plan together.  The two councils also have joint ownership of Ōmarunui Landfill. 

Hastings District and Napier City Councils have worked together, alongside community groups, our mana whenua partners, businesses, and industry experts, to develop this draft plan.

The new Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP) aims to provide more opportunities for you to reduce waste and make sustainable choices in your daily life. Whether you’re a household, business, or community group, the plan aims to make waste minimisation easier, more accessible, and ultimately more effective.

There are several ways to share your feedback:

• Complete our online feedback form below.
• Pick up and complete a submission form at your local library or our customer service centre.
• Post your form to us at: Hastings District Council, Private Bag 9002, Hastings 4156 (Put: Attention Draft Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan on envelope).

The consultation is from Monday 7 April to Sunday 11 May 2025.

The draft WMMP is available online here. You can also find printed copies at any of our libraries or the Council customer service desk.

Once the consultation closes, all feedback will be reviewed by the councils. Adjustments may be made to the draft plan based on community input. The final WMMP will be presented  to the Joint Waste Futures Project Steering Committee for adoption.  

All written submissions, including contact details on the submission, will be made available to the public and media and on our website, unless you specifically request that your contact details are kept private.

We’ve produced a summary document to capture the key changes – read it here.

The WMMP focuses on reducing waste at the source, improving recycling and composting options, and ensuring that less waste ends up in landfills. It encourages businesses, households, and councils to work together for a cleaner, greener region.

Funding for the WMMP comes from a combination of council budgets, waste disposal levy, and potential grants from government agencies.

The WMMP sets measurable targets for reducing waste sent to landfill and increasing recycling rates. Progress will be tracked through waste audits, council reporting, and community feedback.

Absolutely. Businesses, community groups, Kaupapa Māori organisations and industry organisations are encouraged to share their perspectives, as waste management affects everyone. You can complete your submission on behalf of a group/organisation.

Stay updated by signing up to our waste awareness newsletter and following council communication channels.