Waste levy ‘illegitimate’

Proposed new levies would go beyond what was needed to reduce waste, Business NZ economist John Pask told the Waste Minimisation Legislation Conference in Wellington today.



The conference is focusing on the Waste Minimisation (Solids) Bill currently being considered by the Local Government & Environment Select Committee. The proposed law would impose a $10 per tonne levy on waste sent to landfills, on top of the current user-pays fees for landfill users.



Mr Pask said it was right that individuals and firms should bear the full cost of their behaviour, and landfill charges should accurately reflect the costs of waste disposal.



“But consumers shouldn’t have to pay more than the costs they are responsible for,” Mr Pask said.



He said the Australian Productivity Commission had researched and analysed the issue and concluded that levies imposed in addition to properly costed landfill gate fees were illegitimate.



“It is important that New Zealand individuals and businesses are not taxed beyond what is legitimate,” Mr Pask said.