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.

Prior to July 2027, these properties will have recycling bins delivered, and from 1 July 2027 the appropriate targeted rate will apply to all eligible properties in Zone 1.

Zone 1 covers the majority of the Buller District, including Westport, the areas from Westport to the Mōkihinui Bridge, from Westport to Punakaiki, from Westport to Reefton (including Blacks Point), and from Reefton to Ikamatua.

Group Manager Infrastructure Services Anthony Blom says: “The Local Government Act (Rating) 2002 permits local authorities to charge targeted rates to fund specific council services or projects. These rates ensure that the properties benefiting from an amenity pay for it directly. Targeted rates are charged to all properties located in the area where the specific service is provided.”

Kerbside recycling collection services are currently funded by a targeted rate of $250 per annum, including GST, with only properties that have the kerbside recycling collection services available to them charged.

“Domestic recycling drop-off is not charged for at the Westport and Reefton Refuse Transfer Stations; however, this service is part of the solid waste targeted rate. In this respect, residents who have opted out of the targeted rate and instead drop their recycling off at the transfer stations are being subsidised by those paying the targeted rate” explains Mr Blom.

As of 30 June 2026, there are 5,656 properties (rating units) in Zone 1, of which 4,939 have at least one set of recycling bins and are being charged the solid waste targeted rate. This indicates that over 700 properties are not currently included in the recycling collection service or being charged.

Mr Blom continues: “To correct this historic error, these properties will have recycling bins delivered prior to 1 July 2027, with the correct targeted rate applied from the 2027/28 rating year onwards. Implementation of this change will occur as part of council’s Long-Term Plan 2027-2037, with the final rating impact determined as part of that process.

“While the actual targeted rate from July 2027 is not yet known, it is likely that the people currently paying that rate will have a reduction in cost.”

The only Zone 1 properties that will not receive bins or be charged the targeted rate after this date will be those located in areas with no feasible kerbside collection due to difficult access, or other criteria as per the Act.

-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 time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.