Kerbside recycling trial starts July 3

Every rubbish collection day is also recycling day for Kerikeri, Waipapa and Waimate North residents from Thursday July 3.

The Far North District Council is introducing a 12-month recycling trial for everyone whose rubbish collection day is Thursday or Friday, regardless of whether or not they use a private contractor to pick up their rubbish instead of the council’s contractor Waste Works Ltd.

Water, Wastewater and Refuse Manager Peter Johnson says the new kerbside collections replace the existing recycling facility at the Kerikeri Memorial Hall, which will close on Thursday July 17.

“We think people will like the convenience of being able to recycle at their front gate and there will be economic benefits for people who no longer need to drive to the hall to sort their rubbish,” he said.

The trial will enable those on the rubbish collection routes to recycle plastic bottles and containers Grades 1 to 7, glass bottles and jars, and aluminium cans and metal tins/cans. Paper and cardboard can be flattened, folded and tied or put in plastic carrier bags for collection at the same time.

“We hope people will realise that the more they recycle, the less refuse they have to put out for collection,” Mr Johnson said. “This is good for the environment and also saves increasingly scarce landfill space.”

People on the collection routes can get a free 40-litre recycling bag with each purchase of one or more refuse bags for two weeks from Saturday June 28 until Saturday July 12. The recycling bags are available from the same places as refuse bags and will cost $1 each after the two week introductory period.

After a year, depending on public reaction, kerbside recycling bins may be introduced to replace bags, the scheme may be funded from rates instead of on a per bag basis and kerbside recycling may be extended to other areas, Mr Johnson said.

Meanwhile, the council is working with communities to determine the best location for three large recycling bins that will enable people to recycle even if they live just outside the kerbside recycling area. Potential locations are Okaihau, Kaeo and Puketona Junction.

 

Householders without kerbside recycling or access to the large bins can take their recycling to the Whitehills, Kaikohe or Whangae transfer stations, while businesses can choose from several commercial recycling operations in the mid North/Bay of Islands areas.