Tauranga has a user pays waste system. Rubbish collections, composting and the two transfer stations are all operated by private contractors and funded through user charges.
Litter collection and street cleaning is managed by the council and funded from rates. Waste minimisation programmes are funded by the national waste levy.
Proposed rates-funded rubbish and recycling collection
Tauranga City Council proposes to introduce a rates-funded, Council-led rubbish, mixed recycling and organic waste collection service for all household by 2021. We also would like to introduce an interim kerbside glass recycling service as soon as possible in response to private collection providers ceasing to accept glass for recycling.
Rates-funded kerbside collection proposal
Landfills
Waste from Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council areas gets transported to the Waikato region and disposed of at consented landfills. Even though these landfills are constructed and operated to international environmental standards, they are poor long term solutions for the planet and for public health.