Poll: How should our kerbside rubbish collection services be paid for?
Kia ora Tāmaki Makaurau.
Auckland Council is looking to scrap bin tags in parts of Auckland.
The bin tags – or a pay as you throw (PAYT) system – were rolled out in West Auckland, Papakura and on the North Shore between 2017 and 2018.
Rather than paying for kerbside rubbish collection as part of their rates, residents in these areas purchase bin tags from supermarkets, council service centres and libraries, and attach them to their bin on rubbish collection day.
The bin tags were part of the council’s strategy to achieve its goal of zero waste to landfill by 2040, with one standard sized bin (120L, bin tag cost $4.25) fitting the equivalent of, and removing the need for, two plastic rubbish bags.
The council had planned on rolling out this system across the entire region, however it now believes it is too expensive to operate and lacks the financial incentive needed to make people reduce their waste.
Now, it is proposing to move the entire region to a rates-funded collection service, with the choice of three rubbish bin sizes to cater to different household needs and costs.
If the proposal to goes ahead, it is estimated Aucklanders will pay $314 per year for their rubbish, recycling and inorganic collection. Including food scraps collection, this will cost $375.
If the entire region moves to a PAYT system, it is expected each household would spend $353 on bin tags each year, or $415 including food scraps collection. This estimate is based on the current average collection rate of a household with a standard 120L bin.
Consultation on the matter will begin on February 28. So, what do you think should happen?
Read more here: www.stuff.co.nz...
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34.6% Bin tags make me consider what I send to landfill
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40.2% Rates-funded collection is easier than using bin tags
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19.9% Rates-funded collection, but bin tags available for those with little waste
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5.4% Undecided - tell us in the comments
Poll: Are quality products on the decline?
Gift-giving looks a lot different these days when you can pick up super-cheap goods made overseas. But do they last?
Do you have any old items like appliances, electronics or clothing that have stood the test of time? Share below!
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91.5% Yes
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7.8% No
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0.8% Other - I'll share below
Only the Sharpest Minds Will Get This Riddle… Are You One of Them?
I twinkle and glow, guiding paths in the snow.
I’m not the sun, moon, or star in the sky,
yet on rooftops and trees, you’ll see me up high.
What am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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Impersonating tow truck drivers
Police are warning drivers across Tāmaki Makarau to be on the lookout for dodgy tow truck drivers following several incidents in the past few months.
Motorists are being warned of a small group of people pretending to be tow truck drivers, committing crimes by using unregistered tow trucks to pick up vehicles.
Sergeant Suzannah Kimber, Counties Manukau Police, says the group steals vehicles by pretending to legitimately tow them before disposing of the vehicles.
“Recently these offenders towed a member of the public’s vehicle in plain sight.
“Members of the public drove past this tow truck while they were loading it up as it just looked normal.
“They even go as far as wearing high-visibility clothing.”
Sergeant Kimber says Police are taking the opportunity to remind the community that all tow trucks will have external sign writing with the company name and be able to produce their logbook if asked.
“They also must be registered as a transport operator.
“If you see a tow truck without any distinguishing features towing cars, please call Police immediately.”