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
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.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.6% Yes
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13.2% No
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1.2% Other - I'll share below
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