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Auckland Council has decided not to proceed with the proposed six-month trial of fortnightly kerbside rubbish collections in parts of Te Atatū Peninsula, Panmure/Tāmaki and Clendon Park/Weymouth.
The council’s policy, planning and development committee made the decision today, December 16, after considering public feedback, alongside evidence on waste reduction and environmental outcomes.
The committee also asked council staff to investigate and develop alternative options to meet the kerbside waste-minimisation target of 29 per cent by 2030, set in the Waste Minimisation and Management Plan 2024.
During consultation, 78 per cent of submitters who responded to the question opposed the trial, with some Aucklanders expressing concern about how a fortnightly system would work for larger households.
Committee chair, Councillor Richard Hills, says elected members took that feedback seriously.
“Aucklanders shared strong views during consultation, and we heard clearly that people were not confident that the proposed trial would work well at this time.
“Reducing waste to landfill remains a priority, but it is important that any changes to kerbside services are workable for the communities involved.
“Given the feedback we received, councillors agreed that this particular trial design was not the right fit.”
Staff will return to the committee with a range of waste minimisation options in 2026.
Feedback on the Waste Minimisation and Management Plan 2024 showed that reducing waste to landfill is important to many Aucklanders, with 66 per cent of respondents supporting the overall plan and its targets.
General manager waste solutions, Justine Haves, says the council remains committed to its waste minimisation goals.
“The proposed trial would have an opportunity to test fortnightly rubbish collections as a way to reduce waste.
“We’ll continue working alongside communities to support that goal without the trial.
“Next year we’ll bring a range of evidence-based options that can help Aucklanders reduce waste to landfill to the Governing Body for consideration.
“This work will guide how we continue moving towards a more sustainable future for Tāmaki Makaurau.”
Households in the proposed trial areas will be contacted directly to confirm that their rubbish collection schedule will remain unchanged.
The committee decision and a summary of consultation feedback will be available shortly at AK Have Your Say.
