March 1, 2009

Media Release (For Immediate Release)

Wheelie Bins The Way To Go

Waitakere City’s rubbish collection services have received an overwhelming endorsement from the community.

In 2005 Waitakere City Council began rolling out a somewhat controversial kerbside recycling system. The large 140 litre blue and yellow wheelie bin allowed a fortnightly collection method where recyclables would be delivered ”commingled” back to the Waitakere Transfer Station where a large newly built sorting facility would separate them.

The method was subject to scepticism by some residents who felt they could not manage the larger bins and said they had no room on their properties for them

In addition the Council was subject to criticism from the national lobby group The Packaging Council of New Zealand which took issue with the potential for a decline in the quality of glass they were used to having delivered back, subsidised by ratepayers.

However the system, which has since been adopted by neighbouring Auckland and Manukau, has been a resounding success.

Latest figures show the volume of recycling has increased by just over 30% and costs have reduced by approximately $420,000 per annum

Waitakere City Councillor Ross Clow, who chairs the Finance and Operational Performance Committee, says more good news comes out of a recent residents’ survey. “The survey shows that a massive 92% of people prefer the wheelie bins over the old plastic crates,” he says.

“That really vindicates the decision.”

He says that the system has three main objectives:

1. To be the most convenient service for residents
2 To reduce the cost of collection
3. To reduce the amount of waste going to landfill

ENDS

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