Hibiscus Coast locals can have their say on proposed Auckland waste rule changes, with consultation open until 11.59pm on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Auckland Council is consulting on updates to its Waste Bylaw and associated controls.

The bylaw sets the rules for how waste is stored, collected, transported, and disposed of across Auckland.

The council says the rules help keep footpaths clear of bins, reduce contamination in recycling, and ensure it collects the data needed to plan for future waste services.

Regulatory and Safety Committee chair Cr Josephine Bartley says the proposed changes will not affect most people’s day-to-day routines.

“It’s important we have clear and robust rules around how and where people can dispose of their waste and who can collect waste in our growing city,” she says.

The council says the proposed changes are largely administrative and will not affect kerbside collections.

It says they will help ensure waste is better managed across the region and that it has the data needed to meet long-term waste minimisation goals.

Key proposed changes include:

• Expanding the range of waste facilities requiring a licence to include cleanfills and resource recovery facilities, while limiting the licence focus to data collection.
• Streamlining licensing rules for waste collectors, removing the current 20-tonne licensing exemption and adding exemptions for incidental waste services.
• Expanding approved options for waste disposal, such as supermarket soft-plastic drop-off points.
• Adding clearer rules to ensure waste is properly stored and contained on site, including for waste collection on private properties.
• Removing unnecessary or duplicated rules where matters are already regulated through the Auckland Unitary Plan.

The proposal also recommends clearer explanations about approved containers, what can be placed in each type of bin, prohibited items, food scraps, use of public bins, and private-property collections.

The council says waste collectors and facilities must continue to obtain a licence to operate in Auckland.

Construction and demolition waste is not included in this review, with further investigation planned.

Coasties can take part by visiting AKHaveYourSay.nz to view the proposed changes, find engagement events, and submit feedback.

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