Taupō landfill set for $4.7 million upgrade to reduce waste
Wednesday 23 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Louise Upston, Taupō District Council, John Funnell
The Broadlands Resource Recovery Centre will undergo a $4.7 million upgrade to help decrease the amount of rubbish sent to the Tauhara Maunga landfill. The council says these changes could reduce landfill waste by up to 8,000 tonnes annually. The project comes as the current resource consent for the site nears expiry.
Key facts
4 facts
- Project cost is $4.7 million
- Government contribution is $2.3 million via Waste Minimisation Fund
- Construction start date is October or November
- Landfill consent for Mt Tauhara expires in 2027
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
The Taupō District Council is upgrading the Broadlands Resource Recovery Centre to reduce landfill waste by up to 8,000 tonnes annually. Construction is expected to begin in October or November. The $4.7 million project is being funded by the council and a $2.3 million grant from the Government's Waste Minimisation Fund.
New precision machinery will allow every skip and commercial waste load to be sorted, enabling the separation of reusable materials like metal, wood, and gib. Environmental impacts manager Brent Aitken noted the capability of the new equipment, stating, “They can pick up a saucer or cup of tea, literally, with some of these machines”.
The landfill on Tauhara Maunga has a resource consent expiring in 2027. The council applied in July to the Waikato Regional Council for a new 30-year consent. While no hapū supported the 30-year renewal, two hapū expressed openness to discussing a shorter consent if the council commits to genuine partnership and co-design.
If the consent is not granted, the council may consider trucking waste out of the district, potentially to Hampton Downs. Deputy Mayor Kevin Taylor said the changes are necessary because “We’ve had a throwaway culture in New Zealand”.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and Waikato Times.