Rubbish and recycling during Alert 4 lock down
Urban residents:
- The kerbside rubbish collection will continue as normal.
- Recycling collection will be suspended for the next two weeks while we ensure a safe protocol for pick-up and processing.
- Don’t forget to pick up your Council rubbish bags when your nominated bubble member heads to the supermarket for essentials.
- Or, make sure they’re included when you place your online shopping order for delivery.
- Transfer stations are closed to all except those providing essential services (as listed here: https://covid19.govt.nz/government-actions/covid-19-alert-level/essential-businesses/ )
- If you have rubbish collection through a private provider, check to see if their services are still running.
Essential services:
- If you’re providing an essential service, you can continue to take rubbish and recycling to Wairarapa transfer stations.
- Transfer station operators can readily identify those who are likely to be an essential service.
- You’ll need to show a drivers licence at the transfer station.
Rural residents:
- If you normally put your rubbish out for Council collection on the roadside, please continue as normal. Recycling collection will be suspended for the next two weeks while we ensure a safe protocol for pick-up and processing.
- If you have rubbish collection through a private provider, check to see if their services are still running.
- If you normally take your rubbish and recycling to the transfer station, and you’re NOT registered as an essential service, we are asking you to find a dry place to keep your rubbish and recycling for the time being.
- We want everyone to stay at home to eliminate COVID-19. While it may be inconvenient, stockpiling rubbish and recycling for now will help save lives by stopping the spread of the virus.
- Still use the Council rubbish bags as you will be able to drop off when the transfer station reopens fully.
- We appreciate that having rubbish remain on your property is not ideal, but it’s all part of saving lives in the Wairarapa. Here are some tips to help:
- Now is the time, more than ever, to try and reduce and reuse wherever possible to minimize your stockpile.
- Wash all your recycling to stop it getting smelly
- If you don’t have a compost for food waste, now’s a good time to start one
- Keep non-compostable food waste in a high location where animals and children can’t get to it (It’s best not bury it, this will attract vermin if it contains bones etc)
- Another option is to put meat bones into a deep freeze if you have space, or you can put carcasses in a fire (but not other household rubbish like plastic).
- More tips are available here: https://lovefoodhatewaste.co.nz/reduce-your-waste/non-avoidable-food-waste/