My Account
Rubbish bin tags and neon coloured bags could be a thing of the past in some parts of Auckland with this year’s budget.
In its budget, Auckland Council is proposing a ratepayer funded model of waste collection from 2024 where a household can opt in to the scheme.
Households would have a choice between 240, 120 and 80-litre bins. Standardised charges would mean everyone pays the same for the same sized bin.
The proposal estimates this model will be cheaper than the current ‘pay-as-you-throw’ (PAYT) model as the charge would remain the same no matter where you live.
Currently on the Hibiscus Cosat, residents are on the PAYT system – purchasing rubbish bags or bins from commercial suppliers who collect the rubbish, while just over half of Auckland (55 percent) already have rates funded rubbish collection.
Properties would be able to opt out of the service and bags would still be available in rural areas.
The proposal is a part of the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan which is aiming for a zero waste future in Auckland.
The idea behind this proposal is that users will opt for smaller bins and reduce their waste.
Food scrap bins would be expanded in 2023 and funded through rates which Council consiers may also help Aucklanders use smaller rubbish bins.
This scheme came under scrutiny in a study from Waste Not, which found “no clear evidence that PAYT areas of Auckland produce less refuse per capita than rates-funded areas.”
Public consultation opens on February 28, giving Aucklanders a chance to have their say.
Backstories: September 27, 2021
