The first region-wide plan for tackling the 1.2 million tonnes of waste the Auckland region sends to landfill each year has been created.

Auckland Council adopted a new Waste Management and Minimisation Plan earlier this month.

The plan contains a new disposer-pays system for Manukau and central Auckland, which includes Waiheke Island.

Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse says the plan provides a blueprint for reducing household and commercial waste during the next few years and beyond.

"About 80 per cent of submitters supported the target of a 30 per cent reduction in domestic kerbside waste sent to landfill by 2018," she says.

"Now it's time to roll up our sleeves and work with the waste industry, businesses, local boards and the community to achieve this ambitious goal."

Ms Hulse says the actions outlined in the plan will be rolled out in stages during the next few years.

"Major changes to kerbside collections will not start until 2015, as current contracts expire.

"A lot of communication and community education will happen beforehand to ensure people know how they can reduce waste and keep user-charges to a minimum, particularly in Manukau and central Auckland where disposer-pays for rubbish will be new but where targeted rates for rubbish collection will reduce."

Councillor Noelene Raffills, who chaired the hearings panel on the draft plan, says the final plan shows councillors have listened to the public and addressed various community and industry concerns.

"We've recognised the need for flexible options for rural areas, the Hauraki Gulf islands and multi-unit dwellings for example," she says. "We've also responded to feedback about working collaboratively with the waste industry, community groups and others to pilot, develop or implement solutions."

WAIHEKE RUBBISH COLLECTION PLANS

Recycling – retention of rates-funded kerbside collection, but with choice of wheelie bin sizes available, 140L to 360L, and a wider range of recyclables collected.

Rubbish – retention of wheelie bins, but choice of 60L to 240L available, and disposer-pays will be introduced, with a charge per lift. There will still be the option of pre-paid bags or bins. No kerbside collection of organic food and green waste unlike urban areas of Auckland.

Inorganic material – retention of the biennial rates-funded kerbside collection.

- Waiheke Marketplace