My Account
The change from recycling crates to wheelie bins began on July 1 and there were a number of teething problems.
Some residents are unsure what day to expect the collection in their area.
This was clear on July 1, when the new system began – crates were still put out in many places and on the wrong day.
Some residents put crates of recycling out alongside the new wheelie bins.
The easiest way to find out your new recycling day is to put your street address into the rubbish and recycling section of Auckland Council’s website (aucklandcouncil.govt.nz). You can also free text your address to 3169 and receive a reminder text the day prior to the new recycling collection. Once it begins, it’s a fortnightly service.
The difference between the recycling service, run by Council, and rubbish collection, which is currently operated by private companies, was also the cause of some confusion. For some residents the change to the recycling collection day will mean rubbish and recycling are put out on different days.
Auckland Council says that requests for smaller recycling bins have also been coming in ever since the new 240 litre bins were delivered to homes and businesses, though in relatively small numbers.
More than 175,000 bins have been distributed throughout Rodney, the North Shore and Waitakere and the number of requests for smaller or larger bin is less than one percent (1750 rquests). The majority are asking for the 120 litre bin.
When Hibiscus Matters’ journalist rang Council’s call centre seeking the smaller, 120 litre bin, she was advised that these enquiries are treated as “requests” and decided on a case by case basis, with a good reason required for any change.
However, Council’s waste solutions general manager, Ian Stupple, says that is incorrect. He says Council is encouraging residents to try the 240 litre bin first, but if that size is not suitable, it is committed to delivering different size bins (120 litre or 360 litre) to residents who ask for them as soon as possible.
“It is hard for residents to visualise the quantity of co-mingled recycling that they will put out fortnightly,” Mr Stupple says. “In other parts of Auckland where residents have gone from a crate to a 240 litre bin, a number advised that they would never fill a 240 litre bin, however after trialling it, didn’t want to change to a smaller size. There is evidence that co-mingled systems help to increase the quantities of materials that people recycle.”
He says most of the different sized bins will be distributed starting in August but Council will prioritise delivering the smaller bins to residents that need an assisted service or cannot physically wheel a 240 litre bin, such as the elderly who have no assistance. Phone 09 301 0101 to request a different sized bin.
The change to wheelie bins is part of Council’s Waste Management and Minimisation Plan – one of its targets is to reduce the domestic kerbside waste sent to landfill by 30 percent by 2018.
