We’ve started conducting an audit of
household general waste across properties
that use the kerbside collection service.
This audit is called the SWAP Survey (Solid Waste
Analysis Protocols). Our goal is to audit at least 273
general waste bins. To date we’ve done two surveys
auditing a total of 33 bins and 297kgs of waste. We have
10 more surveys to do over the next few months.
The aim of this audit is to monitor how much general
waste we’re producing, and assess the types of waste
that end up in landfill. The results are considered as
part of our Waste Assessment and Waste Management
and Minimisation Plan review. The next review is due
in 2023. This happens every 6 years and identifies
objectives and targets for waste management in
our district and what funding is required to meet our
objectives.
The categories of waste across the audit include: Paper,
Organics, Glass, Nappies/Sanitary, Timber, Hazardous
materials (batteries, paint, medical waste), Plastics,
Metals, Textiles, Rubble/concrete and Rubber.
Of the 33 bins audited so far, we’ve found that the
majority of waste is organic material (49.7%). So that’s
your food and garden waste mostly. The next highest
is plastics (12.8%) and then nappies/sanitary products
(11.4%), with paper not far behind (8%).
We’re only at the beginning of this audit, but it’s
disappointing to see the majority of material going into
our general waste bins could be easily diverted from
landfill. Plastics (if they have a 1, 2 or 5 triangle) and
paper should be going in your recycling bins and while
we don’t have a kerbside collection service for organic
materials, there are alternatives to putting these items
in the red lid bin. Home composting is one example.
We’ll be providing more updates on this audit over the
coming months, and encourage you to check out our
website for information on waste minimisation tips for
at home -
stratford.govt.nz
