The Porirua City Council is evaluating alternatives for managing waste disposal as Spicer Landfill approaches the end of its usable life, with a potential closure date as early as 2035. This development raises critical questions about the future of waste management in Porirua and Northern Wellington.
David Down, Porirua City Council’s Manager Waste, emphasises the urgency of finding a sustainable solution. “Spicer Landfill has a limited life, and now is the time to explore alternatives that address our city’s growing needs and environmental goals,” says Down.
The council has outlined three potential approaches: adopting new technology such as mechanical biological treatment, establishing a new landfill in Porirua, or exporting waste to other landfills within New Zealand. Each option carries significant costs and logistical challenges, according to a briefing presented to the council on Thursday.
Councillor Geoff Hayward, Chair of the Council’s Landfill Joint Committee, highlights the broader waste issue. “No one wants waste, and none of us likes landfills. But the awful truth is that Kiwis produce as much waste per capita as most OECD countries,” says Hayward. “Any alternative we choose will come at a financial and environmental cost.”
While the council intends to collaborate with other councils to determine a regional solution, Hayward stresses the importance of public consultation. “A change of this significance would be subject to community feedback and would be included in a future Long-Term Plan for review,” he says.
The council acknowledges that efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle must intensify to curb the growing volume of waste. However, Hayward expresses disappointment at the lack of a national plan to address waste management comprehensively. “The scale of these projects is often too great for individual councils to handle alone,” he adds.
Further details on the council’s alternatives assessment, including a full report, can be accessed on the Porirua City Council website. This pivotal decision will shape the city’s environmental landscape for decades to come.