Bin tags: Scrapping pay-as-you-throw collection 'unfair', low-waste residents say
Auckland Council’s proposal to scrap bin tags in favour of rates-funded rubbish collections has been labelled “unfair” by residents who produce very little waste.
West Auckland, North Shore and Papakura residents have been on a pay-as-you-throw system for their kerbside rubbish collection since 2017-2018.
This system was to be implemented across the region, however, Auckland Council now believes the price of bin tags will need to be much higher to incentivise residents to reduce their waste.
So, it is proposing to move the entire region to a rates-funded collection service, the price of which is determined by what size bins residents use.
The council estimates that with a standard 120 litre rubbish bin, this will cost households $314 per year, which covers rubbish, recycling and inorganic collection. In 2023, the council will also roll out a food scraps collection service, which is not optional and will bring the rate up to $375.
Birkdale residents Jacqui and Alan Vowles put their bin out about once a month. On the rates-funded model, this would cost them around $31.25 per collection, rather than the around $51 per year they currently spend on bin tags.
Jacqui Vowles said this was an exorbitant amount compared to the cost of a bin tag.
“I don’t think it’s fair at all.”
Click 'read more' for the full story on Stuff.
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
Some Choice News!
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
Poll: Is Auckland’s economy improving?
The latest reporting from The Post suggests a wave of optimism for 2026. With interest rates finally heading south, businesses are feeling more positive. But for many on the ground, the real-world recovery feels a bit like a slow-moving commute on Auckland's motorways.
We want to know: Are you seeing signs of Auckland's economy improving in your industry or neighbourhood? Whether it's busier shops, new projects kicking off, or just a shift in the mood ...
-
16.5% Yes
-
69.6% No
-
13.9% A little
Loading…
