South Wairarapa District Council and Carterton District Council will provide free green waste disposal this weekend* to help residents clear storm related green waste from their properties, with Masterton District Council to follow soon.

The decision was confirmed at a joint Chief Executives and Mayors meeting held this morning, as part of the coordinated response to recent severe weather across the Wairarapa.

Solitaire Robertson, Wairarapa Emergency Management Controller, said the free weekend is intended to support residents cleaning up and recovery process.

“Many people are dealing with fallen trees, branches and other green waste following the storm. This free green waste weekend is a practical way we can help residents clear their properties and reduce further risk,” said the Controller.

The free green waste weekend will apply at South Wairarapa and Carterton waste facilities.

Due to the power situation at the Masterton green waste site, we ask Masterton residents to hold onto any waste until the Masterton site can accept it rather than taking it to Carterton or South Wairarapa this weekend. Residents in Masterton will also get free green waste once the site has open and able to accept waste

However, Masterton District Council has advised it intends to provide a similar free green waste opportunity once power is restored and the facility is able to operate safely.

“We are working closely across all three councils to support recovery where we can. While Masterton is currently constrained by the power outage, the intention is to align a similar offer as soon as it becomes possible,” said the Controller.

Residents are asked to:

• Only dispose of domestic green waste as a result from the recent storm
• Only dispose of green waste that is safe to transport
• Avoid unnecessary travel to waste facilities while conditions remain variable

South Wairarapa District Council transfer station details and opening times can be found here: Rubbish and recycling

For welfare support or recovery assistance, residents across the Wairarapa can call 0800 239 247 (0800 CD WAIRARAPA).