Zero Waste: Thames-Coromandel District CouncilLocation: Waikato, North IslandPopulation: 24,800 permanent residents, rising to an estimated 150,000 to 180,000 at peak holiday times. The Coromandel Peninsula lies 60km east of Auckland. With it's 400km of coast line, numerous beaches and central range of steep, rugged hills, it is a popular holiday destination for Auckland, Hamilton and the Waikato region. It provides opportunities for a range of activities such as fishing, swimming, scuba diving, tramping, camping and canoeing; panoramic views and tranquil settings. The Peninsula has a strong farming sector with marine farming being a growth industry. There are 23,200 ha of planted production forest of which nearly 50% is approaching harvest. With the exception of some small and remote rural areas Council provides a weekly kerb-side refuse collection and recycling service to approximately 18,900 properties. This becomes daily at the peak holiday time for some of the eastern beach resorts. The recycling service has been in operation for some years. Council disposes of collected waste by transfer to sites outside the district. Council operates and maintains 7 refuse transfer stations and 25 closed landfill sites. The volume of refuse that required final disposal for the year ended 30 June 2002 was 13,658 tonnes. The Thames Coromandel District Council officially committed itself to a Zero Waste policy in April 2000. Over the next year it will be engaging the community and other stake-holders to develop a Solid Waste Management Strategy that is currently in draft form and incorporates Zero Waste and waste minimisation principles. |