Council changes course for waste management in Buller
Council has reconsidered the course for the future of rubbish collection in Buller’s largest refuse and recycling zone. Council has decided to move to a rubbish collection service paid through a targeted rate in Zone 1, rather than the previously proposed pay-as-you-throw model.
The Buller District is divided into three zones for recycling and refuse. Zone 1 covers Westport, the areas from Westport to the Mōkihinui Bridge, Westport to Punakaiki, Westport to Reefton (including Blacks Point), and Reefton to Ikamatua.
Starting from 1 July 2026, owners of properties eligible for rubbish collection will have the choice between a 80L, 120L or a 240L wheelie bin, or they can opt to drop off their rubbish at the transfer stations and pay the per tonne charge. Alternatively, they can arrange a private collection service with a commercial operator.
If people select a regular collection, the targeted rate will vary according to the bin size chosen and will be charged as part of the property's rates bill. If a property owner opts out, the property will only be charged the targeted rate for the recycling collection.
In September 2024, council went to the open market seeking proposals from waste management companies interested in providing comprehensive waste management for the next ten years, starting from 1 July 2025. Three companies tendered for the contract.
Group Manager Infrastructure Services Anthony Blom explains: “When we received the tender responses and cost estimates, the high risks and cost increase associated with the pay-as-you-throw model and other aspects of the contract became clear.”
“With the new approach to fund the waste collection through a targeted rate, we can offer a reliable, cost-effective, compliant waste collection that reduces the financial risk for council and ratepayers and offers a mechanism to select the amount of rubbish to be collected.”
One of the other key changes to the scope of service is that the operation of the Karamea and Maruia landfills will be managed by separate contract in order to minimise cost increases for these communities.
Also, different to the original proposal, the contractor will operate the transfer stations and retain revenues from charges, including revenues from the sale of recyclables. The contractor will set gate fees and will cover all operational costs. This is the current operational model for the Westport and Reefton Transfer Station.
With the direction set, council will draft a new scope of service and go out for a revised procurement process to the current tenderers to be finalised in late 2025. Once the procurement process is completed, council will confirm the preferred supplier to manage waste collection in Zone 1.
Mr Blom emphasises: “We are dedicated to serving people living in each of the refuse and recycling zones with the best waste management services possible.”
The new waste management system will come into effect on 1 July 2026.
-ENDS-
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 the time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact the accuracy of the information. We are committed to keeping you informed and involved in the changes to our waste management system.