19 June 2019

In 2018 the three Wairarapa Councils consulted on a plan to introduce wheelie bins for recycling and following consultation, it was decided that the three Councils would jointly introduce wheelie bins.

• The improved recycling service will make it easier for households to recycle, allow more recycling to be collected (an extra 140 litres per fortnight) and keep the materials clean and dry.
• Wheelie bins will also reduce wind-blown litter from improperly secured recycling placed in kerbside crates.

The bins will be delivered to households over July and August with an expectation that the service will start in late winter. The current recycling crates will continue to be used for glass only, with all other recycling going into the wheelie bins.

Below you will find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. Further information will be published closer to the launch date. You will also receive a recycling handbook with your wheelie bin when it gets delivered.

Q1 Why do we need a new recycling service?

A1 We need to be smarter about how we manage rubbish. The amount of rubbish going to landfill is not sustainable.

This new system allows you to recycle a lot more in a simple, easy and convenient way.

Q2 How much can I fill the crates? 

A2 The recycling crates can’t have glass above the rim of the crate. That’s to ensure the bins aren’t too heavy to carry and glass doesn’t fall out and break as we’re emptying the bins.

Q3 Does it matter what colour recycling crate I use?

A3 No. You can use either red or green or both for glass recycling.

Q4 The wheelie bin is too big and I don’t have space for it, do I have to have one?

A4 A portion of your rates bill pays for a waste and recycling collection service; either at the kerbside outside your house or at your local transfer station.

We appreciate the wheelie bins are larger than the previous recycling crates – it’s because we’re giving you more capacity to recycle. If you don’t like the look of it, there are some fantastic ways to hide wheelie bins, including purpose-built screens or even covers with planters on top.

Q5 Who owns the wheelie bins?

A5 The wheelie bins are allocated by the Councils to reside at an individual property (rateable unit). All bins have a unique ID that can be scanned to identify what property the wheelie bin is allocated to.

Q6 What happens if my wheelie bin is damaged or stolen?

A6 Damaged bins will be repaired or replaced by Council, except when obviously damaged by users (such as incorrectly towing it behind a vehicle).

If your wheelie bin is missing or stolen, please contact your council as each bin has a unique ID number that can be scanned to locate it if we find it at another location.

If your bin is stolen, your first bin will be replaced with a delivery charge. After the first replacement bin, property owners will be charged $60 per bin for replacements.

Q7 How are granny flats serviced under the kerbside collection?

A7 Where a property has not been subdivided but has had a ‘granny flat’ built on the same land parcel as the primary residence, only the primary residence will receive the standard service wheelie bins.

This is because the entire property is only paying one set of rates, so the bin will need to be shared. The simple rule is that if your property has its own rating number a bin will be allocated and the sticker on the side of the bin will specify to which property address it belongs.

There are some exceptions, so give your Council a call.

Q8 If I sell my house, can I take my wheelie bin with me?

A8 No. The wheelie bin is allocated to the property and must stay with the property for the new owners or tenants to use.

Q9 How will I ever fill a bin this big?

A9 Remember, you don’t have to fill it right to the top every time. You can fill it up over a few weeks. We recommend that you only put the bin out when it is over half full.

Please don’t wedge the contents into the wheelie bin (for example, excess amounts of cardboard) as they may prevent the bin from being emptied when tipped up.

Q10 I’m the same size as my wheelie bin. How am I supposed to push it?

A10 It has wheels and a handle, by tilting the bin it becomes fairly easy to roll along the ground

Q11 But what if it’s too heavy?

A11 It’s unlikely that the bin will become too heavy to roll along the ground – that’s because recycling tends to take up space, but not weigh a significant amount.

If you have a long drive Wheelie Bin Towbar hitches are available to reduce the effort.

Q12 Why do you say we’re getting more when we’re actually getting less because the recycling collection is fortnightly?

A12 Previously you had two crates for all your recycling (100 litres per week or 200 litres per fortnight). Now you have the same two crates (100 litres) plus a 240-litre wheelie bin. That gives you 140 litres more every fortnight.

You’re getting more bang for your ratepayer dollar.

Q13 I fill a crate with bottles on a single Friday night alone. Can I have more crates?

A13 You can put out a maximum of two crates every fortnight. You must use official crates which are sturdy and safe for lifting by our contractors. If you find that you are exceeding this amount you can always drop any other recycling off at the Transfer Station free of charge.

Q14 Will our rubbish bags cost the same when the new service begins?

A14 The recycling wheelie bin roll-out has no impact on the cost of rubbish bags. The cost of rubbish bags are reviewed each year, along with all our fees and changes. Up to date fees and charges are here.

Q15 Is there an inorganic collection for appliances / old furniture etc.?

A15 E-waste services were launched in the Wairarapa in 2018; you can now take unwanted electronic goods such as computers, laptops, car batteries, DVD and CD players, routers, household whiteware and kitchen appliances to Masterton, Carterton and Martinborough Transfer Stations.

Unfortunately, we don’t accept old furniture. However, local charities often appreciate donations of furniture or appliances. Otherwise you can take it to your local Reuse Transfer Station. This includes heavy metal objects, old appliances, furniture, decorating materials, old paints and garden waste.

Q16 What do I do with garden waste?

A16 If you do not wish to compost your garden waste, it can be taken to your local Refuse or Recycling Transfer Station where you will be charged a fee for its disposal.

Q17 Why are the rubbish bags shown in blue, green and yellow?

A17 The three different councils each have different coloured rubbish bags.

Carterton District Council has green.

South Wairarapa District Council has yellow.

Masterton District Council has blue.

Q18 What about coastal and rural collections?

A18 For those on the Masterton Coast (Tinui, Riversdale and Castlepoint) or South Wairarapa Coastal and rural (Ngawi, Tora and Whiterock) rubbish and recycling collections there is no change.  You will not receive a wheelie bin and can continue to use your existing recycling bins as usual.