New September 2023 kerbside collections FAQs
Q: What changes are happening to our rubbish and recycling services from 1 September 2023?
Our new 10-year solid waste contract with Waste Management NZ Ltd begins on 1 September 2023. The services they will provide include residential kerbside collections and Refuse Transfer Station operations.
Q: What kerbside services will we receive from 1 September 2023?
- Food waste collected weekly in a 25-litre bin, with new bins supplied — new service
- Domestic rubbish collected fortnightly in a 140-litre wheelie bin, with new bins supplied — new service, replacement for blue bags collection
- Glass will continue to be collected fortnightly with a limit of two Council crates per household
- Mixed recycling (paper, cardboard, tins and hard plastics 1,2 & 5) collected fortnightly in a 240-litre wheelie bin - same as our current service
- There will be additional rubbish and recycling residential kerbside collections in the peak summer period provided in some areas — same as our current service.
Q: Are we getting a rubbish bin instead of blue bags?
Yes, starting from 1 September 2023 we’ll no longer be using official, pre-paid blue plastic rubbish bags for kerbside collections. Instead, we’ll be using 140-litre wheelie bins, just like the ones we use for recycling except a bit smaller.
Q: Will the blue pre-paid bags be collected kerbside after 1 September 2023?
No, but we will continue to accept Council’s official blue bags at our seven Refuse Transfer Stations free of charge until stocks run out.
Q: I don’t currently receive a kerbside collection service, but I do purchase pre-paid Council bags and put them kerbside on roads or highways the truck collects from. What will I do from September?
One option is to purchase standard 60L rubbish bags (any brand) at a retailer (supermarket or dairy etc.) and once filled take the bag to one of our seven Refuse Transfer stations (RTS) for disposal. The charge for disposal of 60L non-Council rubbish bags can be found on our website: www.tcdc.govt/solidwastecharges Alternatively, you could speak to a private waste collection company.
Q: Will the rubbish, recycling and crates all be collected in the same fortnight?
No. One week you will have your recycling bin (paper, cardboard, tins and hard plastic) and crate of glass collected; the alternate week you will have your rubbish bin collected. The food waste bin will be collected weekly.
Q: What can I put in my food waste bin?
The food waste bin can accept items like fruit, vegetables, cooked food, meat, fish, coffee grounds etc.
You will receive an information booklet when your bin is supplied with more detailed information on what can go in the bin.
Q: Are the food scraps bin and rubbish bin optional?
No. All properties in kerbside service areas will receive a food waste bin and a wheelie bin for rubbish.
Q: Will I be getting a kerbside bin for green waste as well?
No.
Q: Will my bins service day change?
Your service day may change. The collection service will operate across a five-day working week so some customers will have a new day for their kerbside collections. We will be letting residents know their allocated days well before the start of the service in September 2023.
Q: How will ratepayers/ residents pay for the waste services?
No decision has been made yet about changes to 2023/2024 rates. However, it’s predicted there will be some cost increases due to the increased services with the new contract. Options went out for public consultation as part of the 2023/2024 Annual Plan in March/April 2023, with a decision from Council likely in June 2023.
Q: When will I receive my new bins?
You will likely receive your bins from July/August 2023. The schedule for the bin rollout will be confirmed closer to the time.
Q: Will there be any changes to the Refuse Transfer Stations operations?
We intend to operate each of the seven Refuse Transfer Stations seven days a week, all open for the same, standard hours. These opening hours will be:
- during daylight saving (from last Sunday in September to to first Saturday in April): Monday to Sunday 8.30am – 5.30pm
- outside of daylight saving: 8.30am – 4.30pm.
Q: Will there still be after-hours facilities at the Refuse Transfer Station sites and mobile compactors for refuse located around the district?
Yes, the current after-hours facilities and mobile compactors will also be managed by Waste Management as part of the new solid waste contract.
Q: Will there be employment opportunities?
There will be many roles available with the new contractor Waste Management.
If you are interested in what recruitment opportunities might be available, please contact Waste Management directly or keep an eye out on Seek and Trade Me Jobs.
Q: What happens to my recycling collected at kerbside (recycling, glass and food scraps)?
Your food waste will go to Tirohia Energy Park, just outside Paeroa, where it will be processed for composting.
Your glass and recycling will also be taken to Tirohia Energy Park for processing. This site is planned to be constructed and fully operational by 2024. In the interim, Waste Management will take the recycling to another nearby facility.
You can view the final destinations for most of the recycling that Waste Management collects here.
Please note: The information in the FAQs has been provided to the best knowledge of our Council at the time these FAQs were revised in April 2023.