ALERT LEVEL 4: Rubbish and Recycling Update

South Wairarapa District Council

29 March 2020

On behalf of the three Wairarapa councils.

Below is information on changes during lockdown to rubbish and recycling collection for urban and rural residents throughout Wairarapa, by Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa district councils.

Key points:

• kerbside recycling collection suspended for two weeks

• transfer stations closed to all but essential services.

Urban residents:

• Kerbside rubbish collection will continue as normal.

• Recycling collection will be suspended for the next two weeks while we ensure a safe protocol is in place for pick-up and processing - this includes Riversdale and Castlepoint.

• Don’t forget to pick up your Council rubbish bags when your nominated bubble member heads to the supermarket for essentials.

• Or, make sure they’re included when you place your online shopping order for delivery.

• Transfer stations are closed to all except those providing essential services (as listed here: covid19.govt.nz... )

• If you have rubbish collection through a private provider, check to see if their services are still running.

Essential services:

• If you’re providing an essential service, you can continue to take rubbish and recycling to Wairarapa transfer stations.

• Transfer station operators can readily identify those who are likely to be an essential service.

• You’ll need to show a drivers licence at the transfer station.

Rural residents:

• If you normally put your rubbish out for Council collection on the roadside, continue as normal. Recycling collection will be suspended for the next two weeks while we ensure a safe protocol for pick-up and processing.

• If you have rubbish collection through a private provider, check to see if their services are still running.

• If you normally take your rubbish and recycling to the transfer station, and you’re NOT registered as an essential service, we are asking you to find a dry place to keep your rubbish and recycling for the time being.

• We want everyone to stay at home to eliminate COVID-19. While it may be inconvenient, stockpiling rubbish and recycling for now will help save lives by stopping the spread of the virus.

• Still use the Council rubbish bags as you will be able to drop off when the transfer station reopens fully.

• We appreciate that having rubbish remain on your property is not ideal, but it’s all part of saving lives in the Wairarapa. Here are some tips to help:

o Now is the time, more than ever, to try and reduce and reuse wherever possible to minimize your stockpile.

o Wash all your recycling to stop it getting smelly

o If you don’t have compost for food waste, now’s a good time to start one

o Keep non-compostable food waste in a high location where animals and children can’t get to it (It’s best not bury it, this will attract vermin if it contains bones etc)

o Another option is to put meat bones into a deep freeze if you have space, or you can put carcasses in a fire (but not other household rubbish like plastic).

o More tips are available here: lovefoodhatewaste.co.nz...

For Wairarapa updates on COVID-19, go to: www.facebook.com...