Ashburton District Council

Location: Canterbury, South Island
Population: 25,177

Geographically, the Ashburton District covers the central part of the South Island. The area is bounded in the east by the Pacific Ocean, the west by the Southern Alps and has its northern and southern boundaries, the Rakaia and Rangitata rivers respectively. The district covers some 6,175 square kilometres and produces 50% of New Zealand's grain and 60% of the country's small seed production. Of equal importance still, is pastoral farming. Lamb, wool, deer and beef production, horse breeding and a rapidly growing dairy industry all contribute significantly to the district's economy. The tourist industry in the district is also flourishing, with the internationally known Mt Hutt ski area attracting thousands of skiers and snowboarders each year and other visitors fish in our famous lakes and rivers.

The Ashburton District Council officially adopted a Zero Waste policy in December 1999. Council, has introduced various waste reduction initiatives throughout the district.

• In 1995 the Council implemented an education programme, specifically focused on waste minimisation. This programme targets the public through scheduled presentations to community groups, displays at A&P shows and also includes a school educational programme.
• To help residents reduce their waste quantities, the Council provides a drop off recycling facility at the Ashburton and Rakaia Resource Recovery Parks for plastics, paper, glass, metal, and waste oil.
• Promotes recycling in the rural areas through its satellite resource recovery centres at the townships of Methven, Mt Somers and Willowby. Public consultation is to be carried out in 2002/2003 for the establishment of a similar centre in Mayfield.
• Provides a cardboard recycling service through a bin collection system at designated areas in Ashburton.
• The Council also supports the waste exchange programme 'REUSE', as administered by Wastebusters Trust.
• In December 2000, the Council raised landfill charges to reflect the cost of the operation of the new Resource Recovery Parks at Ashburton and Rakaia and the subsequent transport of residual waste to Christchurch.
• In July 2002, a prepaid kerbside refuse bag system was introduced replacing the bin and bag system funded through rates. A 26 bag transition period was implemented where each serviced property received 26 bags. Once these bags have been used households will be required to purchase bags. Charge for bag purchase includes processing and disposal costs for refuse.
• In July 2002 kerbside recycling was introduced. Each serviced property received a recycling bin and educational material to assist householders to implement recycling. Recycling collection provides weekly services to Ashburton, Methven, Rakaia, Mt. Somers and Hinds.
• In 2001/ 02 additional buildings and equipment were installed at the Ashburton Resource Recovery Park to support kerbside recycling. Additional equipment included a baler and conveyor and additional buildings included accommodation for new equipment and a weatherproof waste oil recovery area.

A wide range of advertising and education are being undertaken along side these changes. It is anticipated that over the next 12 months, the above initiatives will result in a drop in quantity of residual waste.

For further information contact David Robertson on 03 308 5139.