
Phasing out Kerbside Collection Traffic Leader training
Kerbside Collection Traffic Leader (KCTL) training was introduced by WasteMINZ to support waste operators with a standardised verification for the skills and competency of their staff operating kerbside collection vehicles.
Train the trainer courses were offered, allowing waste operators to completing the KCTL assessments in their own workplace (or through an independent consultant who has completed the train the trainer course).
Records of people who have completed the KCTL training were transferred to WasteMINZ on 1 July 2025 (previously they were held by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA). KCTL Warrant cards have been phased out. Queries about KCTL warrant card holders should be made to team@wasteminz.org.nz.
Current situation
Working safely on or around the roads is led by NZTA, previously through its Code of Practice for Temporary Traffic Management (COPTTM), and recently replaced by the New Zealand Guide for Temporary Traffic Management (NZGTTM). The change from a code of practice to a guide enables companies to better determine their own means of compliance based on their risk.
The NZGTTM acknowledges that sub-sector industry specific training may be developed to fit within the NZGTTM training framework.
Recently two new temporary traffic management (TTM) micro credentials have been approved for the waste operators industry. These are:
- Waste transport driver operations and safety: Qualification Overview (nzqa.govt.nz)
- Waste transport driver operations and safety using a left-hand waste collection vehicle: Qualification Overview (nzqa.govt.nz).
MITO is now taking enrollments for these - more information is available at https://www.mito.org.nz/get-qualified/our-industries/transport-and-logistics/waste/ or phone MITO 0800 88 21 21
There is also a new unit standard which would also apply to a runner - NZQA Unit Standard 33257
As the micro credentials are a more formalised version of the KCTL training, WasteMINZ has undertaken a review of the role of KCTL training and as a result is phasing it out in favour of a training guideline/workbook. Organisations can then choose between their staff progressing the micro credentials or following the guidelines/workbook which can then be verified internally (if they have the capabilities) or through an independent provider.
These different training choices will provide options for all operators in the industry – big and small – to make sure they are not exposed from a risk and liability point of view but also ensuring their workers get the right information to work safely in this industry.

Proposed Changes
The new guideline/workbook will cover the same content as the KCTL/micro credentials and is being developed by the WasteMINZ Health, Safety and Wellbeing Steering Committee, in conjunction with various waste operators as subject matter experts, to ensure it covers all relevant and necessary areas of employee information and competence.
Once developed, it can be used as the basis of a best practice training plan to be followed by an employee and their manager/training provider. It will provide flexibility for an organisation in the training approach they take to cover necessary knowledge and skills. It will move away from classroom-based learning, allowing an organisation to customise its training programme for its own staff, fleet, operating and business processes.
Ensuring employees are trained to the required levels and ‘fit for purpose’ is part of compliance responsibilities for an employer. The guideline/workbook will be able to be used to advise on this process and the employer can then decide on the appropriate training path for their own staff – internally guided, micro credentials, or both.

Phase out
The training guideline/workbook will be available by the end of 2025 and KCTL will be discontinued at the end of 2026 (ie WasteMINZ will no longer hold details of KCTL warrants after this time). The current certification/warrant cards last up to 3 years so will still be valid during this time. Anyone who has a current KCTL train the trainer certificate can continue to offer KCTL training (if required) over this time period.
Current council contracts may specify KCTL training as part of the standards for waste operators. This will need to be reviewed with an agreed variation by each council for their own requirements – e.g. collection workers will be trained to an appropriate level of competency making them “fit for purpose” as determined by the WasteMINZ Guide or equivalent as a means of compliance.
For more information please see the KCTL Phase Out Webinar available here - https://www.wasteminz.org.nz/events/webinar-recordings. Copies of the slides from this webinar are also available here:
If you have any further queries, please contact WasteMINZ’s Charlotte Whiter on charlotte@wasteminz.org.nz.