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Community and Public Health works to ensure that both solid and liquid waste is disposed of in healthy manner. Otherwise, it can have a serious impact on human health.
Waste disposal takes many forms including:
- Direct discharge to land
- Direct discharge to water
- Sludge disposal
Some of the public health issues relating to waste disposal are:
- Contamination of drinking water by chemicals including nitrates
- Contamination of soil by heavy metals (found in industrial processes and surface runoffs)
- The creation of favourable breeding grounds for disease causing bacteria and viruses
- Odour problems
- Adverse effects on cultural values of Maori who place high value on their land and water
- Impacts on aesthetic values
Refuse collection and disposal is primarily the responsibility of territorial authorities and regional councils and contaminated sites (including old landfill sites) are generally responsibility of the regional council.
The public may be unaware of risks associated with refuse collection, disposal and contaminated sites. Wastes need to be managed in such a way that the adverse effects are minimised to protect the environment and public health.
Community and Public Health engages in issues around solid waste, such as treatment, disposal and remediation through commenting on resource consents, council plans and Ministry of Health discussion documents. Waste management strategies need to be based on sound public health advice and principles.
Links
Waste Management Institute of New Zealand
Waste (Ministry for the Environment)
Rubbish Recycling and Composting (CCC)
Environment Canterbury (ECAN)
Target Sustainability
Sustainable Christchurch (CCC)
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