Auckland ratepayers can now have their say on a proposal to trial a fortnightly rubbish collection, with consultation open.
The proposed six-month trial set to begin next February, if approved, would affect three areas in the region – parts of Te Atatū Peninsula, Panmure/Tāmaki, and Clendon Park/Weymouth.
Participating households would receive a temporary rates reduction to reflect the change from weekly to fortnightly collections.
Auckland Council’s waste solutions general manager Justine Haves said feedback from residents would be important in helping elected members decide whether the trial went ahead.
“We understand that changes to rubbish services matter and they need to work for Aucklanders,” Haves said.
“That’s why we’re consulting with the public before anything happens. We know people have questions, so we’re sharing clear information, so everyone feels confident to have their say during consultation.”
She said the council had set out the key concerns and facts so Aucklanders could feel confident giving feedback based on clear and accurate information.
Haves said fortnightly rubbish collections would not be permanent for all of Auckland.
“The proposed trial would apply only to selected parts of Auckland for six months. No decision has been made yet on whether fortnightly collections will become permanent.”
Council waste solutions general manager Justine Haves talks about the proposed fortnightly rubbish collection trial, which has opened for consultation. (Source: Breakfast)
The trial would affect about 10,000 households. Councillors would consider community feedback before deciding in December whether the trial should proceed.
“There are no plans for a region-wide rollout of fortnightly rubbish collections at this stage.
“The purpose of the trial is to gather information to inform future decisions on how Auckland’s waste is collected. Any future changes would be consulted on as part of the 2027 Long-term Plan.”
Haves said feedback from the consultation was vital for the council to understand the 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 went ahead, ratepayers in the selected areas would 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.
Consultation would run from October 13 to 31, and residents could provide feedback online, attend local drop-in events or an online webinar, or fill in feedback forms at libraries and local board offices.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
