Auckland ratepayers will soon get a say on a proposed six-month trial of a fortnightly rubbish collection.
The trial, which would take place in parts of Te Atatū Peninsula in West Auckland, Panmure/Tāmaki out east and south Auckland’s Clendon Park/Weymouth, will start next February — if approved.
Auckland Council Waste Solutions general manager Justine Haves said community feedback would be critical in deciding whether the trial went ahead.
“No decision on a trial has been made yet,” Haves said. “This is your opportunity to tell us what you think. We want to understand how households feel about the idea of a fortnightly rubbish collection trial.”
The consultation period will run from October 13 to 31.
During a series of public meetings in south Auckland last month, Clendon Park/Weymouth residents voiced their disappointment with the council’s decision to add them to the proposed trial.
“Why us, why not other suburbs?” one demanded.
Another person questioned the timing of the trial saying that when it got hot, rubbish bins would become overloaded and attract maggots.
One resident felt the trial was already decided, and the council was just ticking off a checklist with the consultation process.
“They’re trying to tell us how to live and I find that very offensive.”
Haves said feedback from the consultation was vital for the council to understand barriers some households may face.
“Every year, Aucklanders send over a million tonnes of rubbish to landfill. The proposed trial is a chance for trial participants to help us explore new ways to reduce waste and protect our environment.”
If the six-month-long trial goes ahead, ratepayers in the selected areas will receive a reduction on their final 2026 rates instalment, due in May 2026.
The amount would depend on the size of the rubbish bin at the start of the proposed trial, ranging from $23.30 for an 80-litre bin to $46.50 for a 240-litre bin.
Households that put their small bin out monthly or less often during the proposed trial would also be eligible for an extra financial incentive, recognising their efforts to reduce waste.
For households that find they need more capacity, larger or additional bins would be available at no cost, with some rubbish bin options available after one month of the proposed trial, to encourage households to give the new system a try.
Haves said the weekly food scraps and fortnightly recycling services remained unchanged.
If the trial proceeded, any decision to introduce fortnightly kerbside rubbish collections on a permanent basis across a Auckland would be consulted on as part of the 2027 Long-term Plan.
Local Democracy Reporting is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
