Auckland Council is proposing improvements to the waste bylaw and controls.
They are seeking feedback from you as an individual or organisation. You may provide feedback from 20 January to 22 February 2026.
About the proposed changes
Council’s Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw 2019 and associated controls set rules about waste storage, kerbside and private property collection services, use of public bins, licencing of waste collectors and collecting data from waste collectors and facilities.
Bylaw rules complement wider waste-related laws and address specific waste-related problems such as bins blocking footpaths, contamination of waste in recycling bins and enable council to obtain data to inform council’s Waste Plan goals.
We recently checked how our waste bylaw and controls are working and identified improvements. Most proposed changes will have limited noticeable impact on people’s day-to-day waste activities while other changes only impact waste collectors and facilities.
Proposed changes include:
- updating rules for waste collectors and facilities that require a licence from council
- expanding options for how people can dispose of waste (for example, soft plastics drop-offs at supermarkets)
- adding rules to ensure waste is appropriately stored and contained onsite, and rules about waste collection from private properties
- removing rules that are unnecessary, unused or duplicated (for example, using the Auckland Unitary Plan to address waste for multi-unit developments and composting)
- better explaining rules about approved containers, waste deposited in different containers, types of prohibited, recyclable and food scrap waste, discarding waste in public waste bins, and adding rules about waste collection from private properties
- transferring relevant rules for abandoned shopping trolleys, waste plans for events, donation collection bin approvals and placing flyers on vehicles to other bylaws.
Other key aspects of the current bylaw and controls are proposed to be retained, including that people must continue to dispose of their waste according to the bylaw and control, and that waste collectors and facilities must still obtain council approval to operate in Auckland.
The proposal does not include specific rules for construction and demolition waste. Council has decided to undertake further investigation before deciding whether or not to propose new rules.
To find out more and how you can provide your feedback, please visit the Have Your Say page: akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/waste-bylaw-and-controls.
Free Pallet & E-Waste Collection
We offer free pallet and e-waste collections for local businesses twice a year to help reduce waste and support sustainable practices. These convenient collection drives are a great way to responsibly dispose of unwanted pallets and electronic waste — keeping them out of landfill and giving materials a second life.
Pallet collections are free up to the value of $200. Please note the following:
• Only pallets are collected (no crates, boxes, scrap timber, or ply sheets).
• All timber pallets are collected free of charge.
• Charges apply for plywood, MDF, cardboard, or broken plastic pallets, and if pallets need to be hand loaded.
• Pallets must be stacked neatly in one accessible area ready for pickup.
If your collection exceeds the $200 free value, the balance of your collection fees will be on-charged.
Next collection date scheduled for July / Aug 2026. Bookings for this service will open in July.
Previous statistics:
- Nov 2025 - Pallets: 22 businesses participated
♻️ 846 pallets saved from landfill and recycled out of 1029 total collected
- Nov 2025 - E-Waste: 40 businesses participated
♻️ 3,633 kg of e-waste responsibly recycled (1,017 kg GHG emissions avoided)
What is Trade Waste?
Understanding Trade Waste Risks:
Watercare is facing ongoing challenges in parts of the East Tamaki wastewater network due to the discharge of harmful substances — including chemicals, solvents, and heavy metals — from industrial and commercial sites. These substances not only damage infrastructure but also pose serious health and environmental risks.
Key Issues:
🧪 Solvents & Heavy Metals
🧯 Worker Safety Risks ·
💧 Environmental Harm
How to apply for a trade waste agreement
Watch these pollution prevention videos:
- What is water pollution and how do you avoid it.
- Common causes of accidental water pollution.
- Being prepared for an accidental spill.
Recycling Directory
This comprehensive online directory makes it easy to find where and how to recycle a wide range of items. Discover local drop-off points, recycling services, and reuse options near you. Take the guesswork out of recycling and help keep valuable resources in circulation.
Love Food - Hate Waste
Over 100,000 tonnes of food is wasted in New Zealand every year. To tackle this, the government and WasteMINZ, in partnership with 59 councils, launched the Love Food Hate Waste campaign — helping Kiwis reduce food waste through simple, practical changes.
🌍 Local Businesses Taking Action
KiwiHarvest – Highbrook Rescues good, surplus food and redistributes it to local charities and people in need.
Ecobags – East Tamaki Suppliers of plastic-free, compostable bin liners — ideal for managing organic and food waste sustainably.
Leanne's Kitchen - Donates surplus dumpling dough to KiwiHarvest to repurpose.
Want to be featured?
If your business is taking steps to reduce food waste — whether through donations, composting, or smarter food practices — we’d love to include you in our "Businesses Taking Action" list. Contact Julie
🚯 Report Illegal Dumping
Illegal dumping hurts our environment, impacts local businesses, and undermines the efforts of those doing the right thing.
If you spot illegal dumping in the area — such as pallets, e-waste, construction materials, or general rubbish — please let us know. Your report helps us keep the area clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone.
Include details if possible:
- Location
- Description of the waste
- Date/time observed
- Photos (if safe to take)
📧 Contact: Julie
📣 Share Your Sustainability Story
Is your business making strides in sustainability? Whether you're reducing waste, rethinking packaging, improving recycling processes, or supporting local environmental initiatives — we’d love to hear about it.
By sharing your story, you can:
- Inspire other businesses to take action
- Highlight your commitment to a greener future
- Be featured in our newsletters, magazine, website, or social channels
💬 Let’s celebrate progress, big or small.
📧 Get in touch with Julie
Email Julie with a short summary of what you’re doing — photos welcome!
Together, we’re building a stronger, more sustainable East Tamaki.🌱