Kerbside collection is a targeted rate - that means only those who receive the service pay for it.

Properties in commercial areas have only been rated for kerbside collection for July and August.

These properties will still show in our Rates and Property Search as being rated for kerbside collection, because we need to charge for this service for July and August 2023.  However, a credit of around $241 will automatically be applied to your rates in September for 10 months worth of kerbside collection.

We are aware that there are a small number of residential properties within commercial areas. Under the new contract, these properties will also not be eligible for kerbside collection. Residents will need to arrange for a private collection or dispose of their rubbish and recycling at a transfer station. 

A number of businesses already have private collections in place to supplement council’s collection so these providers will be able to service more businesses as they go by. The fact that this is already occurring highlights that current Council service doesn’t meet business needs.

Some businesses already do a lot better than others. We hope that this change will create an opportunity to change how people/ businesses seek to minimise their rubbish and find a cost effective solution that best fits their needs.

Making this change now will put businesses in a better position in the coming years as the cost of sending waste to landfill is increasing every year due to increasing government levies. The Tirohia Landfill is filling fast and set to be closed by 2038. Our nearest landfill will then be at Hampton Downs which will also add to transportation costs.

Council exiting this sector provides an opportunity for private waste providers to expand their offering in our area. A number of these providers already offer recycling options.

We are trying hard to ensure the business community is well-informed about this change through a range of different channels. Letters were sent to all ratepayers within the commercial areas and we have also contracted a company of waste minimisation experts to call into businesses with a leaflet. Council also hosted Business After 5 events around the district during Mar/Apr 2023 as an opportunity to speak with business owners about these changes, among other topical issues.

Councils are not required to provide rubbish collection services, so this is not a dereliction of duty. Some Councils around the country (including Waipa) choose not to provide rubbish collection at all. 

We are one of the few Councils that currently provide a commercial collection - others do not do this for all the reasons outlined above. 

We encourage business owners to discuss security options with the private waste providers when arranging their new collection – several of these providers have options, such as padlocked bins, to avoid people abusing their private collection