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: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.4% Yes
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22.3% No
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1.3% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Bokashi bucket composting workshop @ Glenfield Library
Don't miss Glenfield Library's Bokashi bucket composting workshop tomorrow, 2:00 - 3:30 PM. Make your own DIY Bokashi bucket to take home or surprise a loved one with a unique Christmas gift.
All participants get a discount voucher to use towards a composting system.
Register for the workshop via bit.ly...
This course is proudly supported by Auckland Council and delivered by the Compost Collective.