This page displays media releases covering waste and recycling published during the previous 12-months. If you need older media releases, please contact Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz.
Waste and recycling
04 Nov 2026
Residents will need to pay to dispose of their green waste again at the Westport and Reefton Transfer Stations from 11 November 2026.
12 Oct 2026
Grey and Buller will each get their own facility for recycling construction and demolition waste, thanks to Government funding.
18 Sep 2026
Buller District Council (BDC) is reminding residents to dispose of car batteries safely following a recent near-miss incident at the Westport Materials Recovery Facility (MRF).
Zone 1 recycling exemption option to end from 1 July 2027
Council has identified a historic error where some properties in the Zone 1 solid waste area were excluded from the kerbside recycling service and were not charged the targeted rate that funds it. Council will correct this from 1 July 2027, when all eligible Zone 1 properties will receive recycling bins and be charged the appropriate solid waste targeted rate.
Waste disposal charges to increase
Charges to dispose of waste in Buller are to increase tomorrow after a 41% increase in transportation costs and 17% in onwards refuse disposal.
Waste services contract extended
The waste services contract between Buller District Council (BDC) and Smart Environmental has been extended and zone one residents will use pre-paid rubbish bags for another year.
Council newsletters
Connect is published monthly and delivered via email straight to your inbox. Free print copies are available at Council’s libraries and service centres in Westport and Reefton and selected regional outlets.
Connect is a great way to stay up to date with what Council is doing in our community.
New battery recycling contract signed
Buller District Council (BDC) has entered into a partnership with Mitre 10 and Smart Environmental Ltd (SEL) to improve battery recycling across the district.