North Shore rubbish collection trial a success, but technology won't be rolled out across Auckland

Caroline Williams Reporter from North Shore Times

Kia ora neighbours. A new rubbish collection method trialled on the North Shore was a runaway success, but there are no plans to roll it out across the Auckland.

In 2021, rubbish collection using radio frequency identification (RFID) was trialled with 498 households in Albany, Beach Haven, Browns Bay, Murrays Bay, Northcross, Torbay and Totara Vale.

RFID is a wireless data transfer method. When a bin fitted with a RFID chip is emptied, payment is deducted from the resident’s account which is linked to their debit card.

The technology eliminates the need for residents to buy bin tags and provided Auckland Council with more insight on trial participants’ waste habits.

Of the 191 residents who completed a trial survey, 92 per cent wanted the service to continue.

“Overall, the trial was successful in providing a convenient, reliable service that ... based on survey responses, achieved very high satisfaction ratings from customers," the post-trial report stated.

However, RFID technology won’t be rolled out widely any time soon, as the council is still deciding whether the region should move entirely to a rates-funded model or a PAYT model.

“Should the region decide to pursue a user pays model, then the RFID payment method could be progressed,” an Auckland Council spokesperson said.

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