Whakatāne Locals Urged to Stop Contaminating Greenwaste

Photo: Whakatane District Council

This article has been updated to correct information.

Despite greenwaste bins being intended for garden waste only, Whakatāne District Council have been finding a range of unsuitable and even hazardous items dumped in them. With nappies, mattress foam, spray paint cans, tarpaulins, garden hoses, and bags of general rubbish being just some of the miscellaneous items reported.

According to the council, once non-greenwaste items enter the system, the entire load becomes contaminated and can no longer be turned into compost.

Greenwaste bins are for garden waste only, food scraps are not accepted.

Earlier this year, 745 tonnes of greenwaste had to be sent to landfill due to contamination, costing local ratepayers $143,000 in disposal fees.

With the issue getting worse, the council is launching an education campaign to help residents understand what can and can't go into greenwaste bins. Information guides will be available through various channels including the council website, customer service centres, social media, and signage around the district.

“We understand there’s been some confusion in the past, which is why we’re committed to helping people learn and get it right,” says Solid Waste Manager Nigel Clarke.

This isn’t the first step the council has taken. Last month, a ‘Three Strike System’ was introduced to combat ongoing contamination issues. Under the system, households that repeatedly dispose of rubbish incorrectly receive two warnings, with their bin being removed for three months upon a third offence.

So far, 171 greenwaste bins have received a first strike, with nine households already receiving a second.

“We’re focused on educating our communities, but there also need to be clear consequences for those who deliberately abuse the service,” Mr Clarke adds.

“By keeping only garden waste in greenwaste bins, we can all help reduce landfill, save ratepayer money, and turn our district’s greenwaste into valuable compost.”