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1. Getting Started

In this section you will be introduced to:

  • the purpose of the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and the waste disposal levy
  • how the levy works and what the funds will be used for
  • the Online Waste Levy System (OWLS) including:
    • the different system user access types that determine which tasks you can complete in the system
    • how to set up or change your password
    • how to log into OWLS and navigate the system.

Introduction to the Waste Minimisation Act

The purpose of the Waste Minimisation Act is to encourage waste minimisation and a decrease in waste disposal to:

  • protect the environment from harm, and
  • provide environmental, social, economic and cultural benefits.

Introduction to the waste disposal levy

Review pages 2–3 of chapter 1 in the Calculation and Payment of the Waste Disposal Levy guide to learn about the purpose of the waste disposal levy, how it works, and what the funds collected will be used for.

Once you have reviewed the above information, answer the questions below to check your understanding.

  1. Question: Which of the following is incorrect?

    Answer:
    1. the levy comes into effect on 1 July 2009
    2. the amount of the levy is $10 per tonne (excl GST)
    3. the levy provides an economic incentive to change behaviours and reduce the amount of waste generated
    4. all of the levy money collected will be allocated to territorial authorities on a population basis

  2. Question: Further information about waste levy activities is available from:

    Answer:
    1. 0800 WDLEVY
    2. www.wastelevy.govt.nz
    3. www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/waste
    4. info@wastelevy.govt.nz
    5. all of the above

Introduction to OWLS

Review chapter 1 (beginning on page 2) of the Online Waste Levy System guide to learn about the different system user access types, setting up and changing your password, logging into OWLS and navigating the system.

Once you have reviewed the above information, answer the questions below to check your understanding.

If you have already received an email with a link to the system, have a go at logging in and then familiarise yourself with the home page.

  1. Question: Data Entry users have access in OWLS to submit applications.

    Answer: True  /  False

  2. Question: Your OWLS user account will be locked if you enter an incorrect password three times.

    Answer: True  /  False

  3. Question: Your password for OWLS must be at least __ characters long.

    Answer:
    1. 6
    2. 7
    3. 8
    4. 9