• Introducing WasteMINZ 

    WasteMINZ is the largest representative body of Aotearoa New Zealand's waste, resource recovery and contaminated land sectors.  This website is public and will provide an insight into WasteMINZ' work.  If you are a member, you can access additional member only resources and information through the member portal

WasteMINZ Conference, Expo + Workshops 2023

May 22-26, Hamilton

In a constantly changing world, how do we create a legacy for the future? Let’s challenge our views, celebrate our achievements and learn about innovation in the sector.

WasteMINZ at a glance

Formed in 1989, WasteMINZ is a membership-based organisation with over 1,500 members – from small operators, councils, environmental consultants, through to large industry operators.


We are the authoritative voice on waste, resource recovery and contaminated land management in New Zealand and seek to achieve ongoing and positive development of our industry through strengthening relationships, facilitating collaboration, advocacy, knowledge sharing and championing the implementation of best practice standards. 


Our strength lies in the focus of our sector groups, our breadth across the entire waste, resource recovery, and contaminated land industry, and the passion and expertise of our members. 

What we do

Advocacy & Policy

WasteMINZ leads the industry in influencing policy development on behalf of our members. Our sector groups regularly provide feedback on consultations such as proposed changes to the Waste Disposal Levy, New Zealand Waste Strategy and technical regulations of asbestos and lead contamination. We keep our members informed of legislative change and maintain networks with the Ministry for the Environment, Cabinet Ministers and key decision makers.

Public Campaigns

WasteMINZ coordinates the national Love Food Hate Waste campaign, and leads significant projects with significant outcomes for New Zealanders, including research into plastics and national discussions such as standardising kerbside collections and leading right-to-repair discussions.. 

Improving resource recovery

We work with councils, MRFs, recyclers and businesses to create sustainable markets for resource recovery. We are at the forefront of challenging conversations to ensure onshore processing of recyclables improves, to introduce product stewardship at the beginning of a product’s lifecycle, and to improve waste minimisation practices in key industries such as Construction and Demolition.

Maximising Material Value

We apply our research and expertise to maximising value in waste materials, which underpins the incentive to recycle, recover and reuse. For example how to create and retain value for low-grade plastics; and how transport and processing for glass, aluminium, wood and food waste can be improved.

Working with Manufacturers

WasteMINZ advocates forward-thinking in the design of products, processes and packaging to minimise waste and protect our future generations. Our sector groups work on campaigns and directly with manufacturers to achieve this, such as publishing guidelines for compostable packaging . 

Sharing Wisdom

Specialists and subject matter experts across our membership readily share their research and wisdom through papers, events, workshops and webinars. Current topics include: microplastics and emerging contaminants; lithium ion batteries; asbestos at landfill; managing mental wellbeing; safety on contaminated sites and for kerbside collectors

WasteMINZ Membership 

Student membership 

We have membership packages
for students to support their education

Individual membership  

Check out our membership option for individuals and sole traders.  

Small Business membership

Check out our membership packages for businesses with up to two staff.

Corporate membership

Our membership packages offer flexibility for growing and mid-sized businesses, up to four staff.

Silver
 membership 

We have membership packages
organisations with up to 8 staff.

Gold
 membership  

Check out our membership facilities for businesses with up to 20 staff.

Platinum membership 

 For large businesses or organisations, we have membership for up to 50 staff

Questions? Talk to our Membership & Events Manager