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.
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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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84.6% Yes
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14% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below