Kerbside rubbish collections to counter illegal dumping

Illegal dumping problems are contributing to the closure of Far North District Council refuse transfer stations at Horeke, Towai, Matawaia and Te Hapua next month.

Kerbside rubbish collection services will be extended to replace the four refuse transfer stations, after consultation with the communities.

Water, wastewater and refuse senior technical officer Bruce Hows says the refuse transfer stations are being closed in favour of kerbside rubbish collection services because of the level of abuse at the rubbish collection points.

“It is costing us about $50,000 a year to clean-up after illegal dumping at the sites and it is not a cost we can afford – both in dollar terms and in terms of the unfortunate visual and pollution impacts on the environment,” he said.

“We are moving to reduce illegal dumping further by increasing our surveillance of transfer stations and other illegal rubbish dumping points throughout the district and we will continue to prosecute persistent offenders whenever we have the necessary evidence.”

Details of the closures and new kerbside collections are as follows:-

Horeke refuse station closes July 1. Alternative kerbside rubbish collections will be on Wednesday mornings on main roads from Taheke to Okaihau and State Highway One south of Umawera.

Towai refuse station closes July 1. Alternative kerbside rubbish collections will be on Tuesdays on main roads from Matawaia to Towai and back along State Highway One to Kawakawa.

Te Hapua refuse station closes July 1. Alternative kerbside rubbish collections will be on Tuesday mornings within the community township.

Matawaia refuse station is scheduled to close in July, subject to completion of community consultation. Alternative kerbside rubbish collections are proposed for Tuesday mornings along Orakau, Pokapu, Matawaia and Opahi Roads.

Official rubbish bags and stickers are available at grocery outlets and people on these routes are asked to have their rubbish out by 8am.

For further information, please contact the Far North District Council on 0800 920 029.