Waitomo District Council (WDC) has been working through a number of considerations around how to safely provide waste disposal services to our community, in a way that follows all Ministry of Health guidelines to ensure that public health is not compromised.

WDC will operate the Waste Transfer stations with restricted access, on a temporary basis, during COVID-19 Alert Level 4.

Residents who do not receive the kerbside rubbish collection service can dispose of their WDC official blue bags at:

● Te Kuiti and Piopio Transfer Stations: commencing Wednesday 8 April 9am – 12 midday.
● Kinohaku and Awakino Transfer Stations: commencing Thursday 9 April 9am – 12 midday.
● Marokopa and Benneydale Transfer Stations: commencing Friday 10 April 9am – 12 midday.

Only WDC official blue bags can be disposed of at this time. This service will continue to be provided on the days stated above, on a fortnightly basis, during COVID-19 Alert Level 4. Continuation of the restricted service will be reviewed once Level 4 has been lifted.

Everyone must follow Ministry of Health guidelines. Keep a 2-metre distance from people at all times and wash your hands often using soap, then dry thoroughly. Stay at home if you are feeling unwell and seek medical attention.

The operation of the transfer stations is not business as usual:

• WDC will approve access to one vehicle at a time to unload WDC official blue bags into the skip bin provided onsite.
• Other rubbish types are not permitted.
• Loose waste material is not permitted.  All waste must be bagged in WDC official blue bags to minimise the risk to onsite staff.
• No sharp objects, hot wastes or other hazardous material is to be included in blue bags.
• There will be no cash transactions onsite. The waste disposal fee is included in the cost of the blue bag.
• You will not be able to purchase blue bags from any of the Transfer Stations. Purchase your blue bags from the supermarket, and organise your household rubbish at home, beforehand.
• No recycling will be accepted at this time.

WDC staff and contractors will be wearing the appropriate personal protection equipment to ensure their safety.

IMPORTANT: Households with COVID-19 infected waste either confirmed or suspected. You must put contaminated waste items such as tissues or wet wipes into a separate tied or sealed bag before putting that bag into the WDC blue refuse bag.

We appreciate everyone's understanding and cooperation during this time and remind everyone to keep safe, and be kind. Remember that we are all in this together.

For more information on essential services provided during this time please phone us on 0800 932 4357.

Frequently asked questions and our answers:

What WDC waste disposal services are available to me?

We are currently providing our normal weekly kerbside rubbish collection service.

WDC blue refuse bags can be purchased from Te Kuiti New World, Te Kuiti SuperValue, Piopio Superette, and Benneydale Food Store.

● Te Kuiti’s collection is every Friday.
● Maniaiti / Benneydale township, Piopio, Mokau, Awakino and the Waitomo ward and Village collection is every Tuesday.

Place your bag on the kerbside by 8am on the day of collection.

Residents who do not receive the kerbside rubbish collection service can dispose of their WDC official blue bags at:
● Te Kuiti and Piopio Transfer Stations: commencing Wednesday 8 April 9am – 12 midday.
● Kinohaku and Awakino Transfer Stations: commencing Thursday 9 April 9am – 12 midday.
● Marokopa and Benneydale Transfer Stations: commencing Friday 10 April 9am – 12 midday.

Only WDC official blue bags can be disposed of at this time. This service will continue to be provided on the days stated above, on a fortnightly basis, during COVID-19 Alert Level 4. Continuation of the restricted service will be reviewed once Level 4 has been lifted.

I receive the kerbside rubbish collection service. Can I take my blue bags to the Transfer Station?

No.
Our aim is to reduce the transmission to COVID-19. For your well-being, we ask that you use the existing weekly rubbish collection service. Stay home and save lives.

Can I put out a black rubbish bag for collection, as part of the kerbside collection service?

No.
Our contractor is managing an increase in the demand on waste services and volumes of household waste. The size and weight of each bag, and the number of bags put out for collection per household are all aspects that have the potential to impact on the delivery of this service. We ask for your support in using WDC blue refuse bags for the kerbside collection service.

Are you collecting recycling from the kerbside?
No.
Please rinse, squash and hold onto all recycling for the time being.

Can I burn my rubbish?
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has asked that people hold off on lighting any fires, during the COVID19 Level 4 lockdown. For more information visit. https://www.fireandemergency.nz/

We encourage residents to compost food scraps and garden waste at home.