Council wants to hear from elderly and physically impaired residents who want smaller recycling bins

Residents are being asked to contact Council should they require a smaller recycling bin in preparation for the new recycling and rubbish collection service which comes into effect for all Invercargill and Bluff residents from July 4.

Invercargill City Council Roading and Solid Waste Manager Tom Greenwood said Council was changing the way it collected the city’s recycling and rubbish.

“From 4 July 2011, rubbish will be collected every week and recycling will be collected every fortnight,” Mr Greenwood said.

Mr Greenwood said before the service could be implemented the Council was writing to all ratepayers with several inquiries.

“Firstly we would like elderly, the physically impaired and/or disabled residents who feel they will struggle with the larger recycle bin to apply for a smaller recycle bin.

“The smaller bin is 140 litres and is a similar size to your existing rubbish bin.”

Mr Greenwood said secondly Council would like to hear from anyone who has a larger family and would like to apply for an extra recycling and/or rubbish bin. Please note criteria and additional annual costs would apply.

“While Council’s priority is waste minimisation we do realise that some residents have more than four adults living at the property and that the standard service may not be adequate.”

“We also want to hear from people with a multiple tenanted property or motel to discuss their options for customising the service.”

People have till Friday, March 11 to contact Council regarding changing bin size or adding additional bins.

Mr Greenwood said once they had obtained that information the next step was to deliver the new red rubbish bin and yellow recycling bin to all participating properties ready for the new service to start on July 4.

For more information regarding the new service, visit the website www.wastenet.org.nz, email service@icc.govt.nz or phone the Helpline on 0800 501 777 (between the hours of 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday).

ENDS.

Frequently Asked Questions


What is the new recycling and rubbish service?

Invercargill City Council is introducing a new kerbside waste collection service for recycling and rubbish from households and businesses. The new twin bin service will replace the existing wheelie bin and recycle crate.


Why is the Council changing its service?

The existing Council contracts are coming to an end and cannot be renewed. Council has been working together with Southland District Council for the last 3 years to procure a regional waste collection service that will provide a simple, cost effective and easy to use collection service, allowing residents to correctly dispose of recyclable waste and reduce our impact on the environment.


How will the new service affect me?

Your existing rubbish wheelie bin will be replaced with a new red lidded wheelie bin. Your existing recycle crate will be replaced with a new larger yellow lidded wheelie bin. This bin will come with an information pack about how to use the new service and what rubbish goes into which bin.


When will the new bins be delivered?

The new bins will be delivered in May and June 2011, in time for the new service to start the week beginning 4 July 2011.


What will happen to the old bins?

The existing rubbish wheelie bins belong to the Contractor – Bond Contracts Ltd. When the new service starts Bond will collect the old bins.


What will happen to the old recycle crates?

The existing recycle crates are owned by Council. A decision is yet to be made about what will happen to the crates.


How big will the bins be?

You will receive a 140 litre wheelie bin for rubbish (emptied every week) and 240 litre wheelie bin for recycling (emptied every fortnight). The recycle bin is double the volume of the existing wheelie bin.


Can I have a smaller bin?

Elderly, disabled or residents with limited space can apply for a smaller recycle bin. The smaller bin is 140 litres and is a similar size to your existing wheelie bin. To apply please complete the attached form and return it to Council by Friday 18 March 2011.


Can I have additional bins?

Yes, however to encourage waste minimisation, Council is discouraging residents from opting for an additional rubbish bin. Council does recognise that some residents have larger families i.e. 2 adults and 2 children in nappies or more than 4 adults living at the property, and the standard service is not adequate.