Buller District Council’s free garden green waste disposal programme to continue
Following a successful seven-month trial period, Buller residents can continue to dispose of their garden green waste for free at the Westport and Reefton Transfer Stations for another six months, until 31 December 2025.
Composting of wastewater sludge, a byproduct of wastewater treatment, with mulched garden green waste has been taking place at the Westport Wastewater Treatment Plant since the initiative started in December 2024.
The community’s green waste provides the nitrogen required to kickstart the composting process and adds additional bulk, enabling the sludge to be broken down over time.
The resulting composted material will be tested, and the results will determine what it can be used for. A raw sample of wastewater sludge has been tested to determine the initial baseline parameters.
Group Manager Infrastructure Services Anthony Blom says: “We are pleased that our locally based wastewater sludge composting programme is progressing well. The benefits of this project are far-reaching: processing of a waste product stays in the district, a convenient, ongoing free green waste drop-off opportunity for the community is sustained, and the ultimate goal of a positive environmental outcome is within reach.”
Customers are reminded that they can bring in anything that grows in their garden – apart from flax, cabbage tree leaves, and wood/logs over 300 mm in diameter, which can jam up the mulching machinery.
The green waste also needs to be free of rocks, plastic or similar items that may damage the mulching equipment. These non-compostable items must be disposed of as normal rubbish in a separate load.
Loads will be inspected at the weigh station, and any unwanted material in the load will need to be disposed of as general waste at standard rates.
Mr Blom emphasises: “For the green waste project to continue, it is important that any material dropped off meets these standards, to avoid damage to the industrial mulching equipment and protect our machinery operators from unnecessary hazards caused by unsuitable material.
When you drop off acceptable green waste, you make the process easier and faster for our staff, which contributes to the overall success of the trial.”
All Buller residents can transport their green waste to the Westport or Reefton Transfer Stations for free disposal.
Background information
Wastewater sludge consists of the solid organic, mud-like material that is left behind after wastewater has been treated at the wastewater plant. The composting process makes it possible to turn the sludge into a compost-like material that has a variety of uses, such as a soil conditioner for landscaping.
Previously, the Westport Wastewater Treatment Plant’s sludge was mixed with sawdust and used for soil improvement at a site near Greymouth. When this facility closed, council needed to find an alternative end-use for the product.
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For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz
Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.