Organic Materials

Why do we exist and what are we trying to achieve for the industry?

The group’s vision is to minimise the generation of residual organic materials, and to maximise the value of residual organic materials, ensuring their beneficial reuse.

Who is on the steering committee? 

 What are we working on?

The steering committee has agreed on a strategic plan for 2018- 2020  which can be viewed here.

A work plan for 2018-19 has also been created, which can be viewed here.

Current projects include:

• Work with WasteMINZ Health and Safety Sector Group to develop health and safety guidelines for processing activities at organic waste facilities.
• Work with Packaging Forum to improve labelling of compostable cups and serviceware

To view the latest meeting minutes click here

What are the past projects that the sector group has developed or assisted in?

• Clopyralid – a testing protocol for clopyralid in compost samples has been developed. The committee has also applied to the Environmental Protection Agency to have clopyralid reassessed. More information on this project can be found here.
• Provide input into the development of the ecological soil guideline values (ECOSGV) for New Zealand
• Developed a health and safety factsheet for bioaerosols
• Determining an appropriate standard/brand mark for compostable film
• An investigation into Legionella Longbeachae
• NZS4454: 2005 – Composts, Soil Conditioners and Mulches 
• Introduction to Composting Science and Management for Industry Training – An Overview of the Scientific Principles of the Composting Process (2007) 
• A tool Kit for: NZS4454: 2005 – The New Zealand Standard for Composts, Soil Conditioners and Mulches (2007) 
• Consent Guide for Composting Operations in New Zealand (2009) 
• Fact Sheet series for compost producers to provide to customers

How can I access more information?

To find out more about this sector group or to join (so that you can receive information about the sector group), please contact our Sector Group Coordinator Jenny Marshall or call her on 09 476 7164.