Changes made to recycling service

Recycling calendars look a little different this year following a change to Waipā’s glass recycling service.

All households now have 12 glass collections per year, one less than in previous years. There are no changes to the mixed recycling collection which occurs every two weeks, the same as in previous years.

The change is due to many households putting their blue glass recycling bins out for collection less frequently than first expected when the service was started in July 2019.

Waipā District Council operations team leader Jennifer Braithwaite said the initial contract for recycling had been tendered for 12 glass collections and 24 mixed yellow recycling collections but was increased to 13 glass collections once the contract was awarded to Council’s recycling contractor.

“We had expected more frequent glass collection would be needed however, many households are finding they only need to place their bin out every second or third collection.

“This means we often have drivers collecting barely any glass recycling on a number of their routes. We are effectively over servicing for glass recycling.”

Braithwaite said the change would mean there would be one point in the year for all households where there would be six weeks in between collection dates.

“To avoid bins going out on the wrong day, I encourage residents to regularly check their 2021 recycling calendars or the recycling day finder on our website to ensure they are putting their bins out on the correct day.”

Braithwaite said the change back to the original 12 collections per year would also save Council more than $25,000 each year. Currently, any extra savings would help with the mounting cost of contamination of mixed and glass recycling.

“This is a major issue we are facing at the moment but are working to tackle it through increased bin inspections and education efforts for our community.”

More information on recycling in Waipā can be found at www.waipadc.govt.nz/recycling.