Change your refuse bin size or quantity

Every property in the rubbish and recycling Zone 1 will be automatically allocated one 120 L refuse bin and be charged for the service through a targeted rate from 1 July 2027. The property owner or property manager can indicate if they wish to receive a different bin size or quantity, provided this information is received by 9:00 am on Monday 5 October 2026.   

Each property can request different bin sizes and quantities to suit their needs. The property owner will be charged for each bin, according to the bin size, in their rates invoice. 

Estimated prices for the next financial year, 1 July 2027 - 30 June 2028 are:

• $XX per 80L refuse bin
• $XX per 120L refuse bin
• $XX per 240L refuse bin

These prices are estimates and will be confirmed in early 2027 as part of the roll-out of wheely bins.

This service will replace the current 60 L rubbish bags, which will no longer be collected from July 2027 onwards.   

Your property is eligible for a refuse bin and fortnightly collection if it is located in Zone 1. 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. 

If you need to dispose of larger amounts of refuse, you can drop off your refuse at the Westport and Reefton Transfer Stations during opening hours. Refuse is charged per tonne at both locations. 

You can also arrange alternative refuse collection with a private waste management provider. However, you will still be charged for the default refuse bin size (120 L) per financial year (1 July - 30 June) in your rates invoice.

1. All entitled properties in Zone 1, including vacant properties and farms, will be charged a solid waste targeted rate from 1 July 2027.  
2. Abandoned land and non-entitled properties will be exempt from solid waste targeted rates.   
3. Refuse and recycling bins belong to the property and not the property owner. If you move, the bins must stay at the property for the new residents. 
4. Council will provide for all new and existing properties 80L/120L/240L refuse bin/s. The default refuse bin size and quantity per property is one 120L bin. The property owner will be charged according to the bin size and the quantity per bin size.
5. If you lose or damage your refuse bin/s, there will be a charge for a replacement. It is the responsibility of the property owner to cover the cost of the replacement. 
6. If you move to a new property or purchase one, either as a tenant or owner, check if the property has refuse bin/s. If the property has no refuse bin/s, inform the landlord, property manager or contact Council directly if you are the owner.  If the bins are missing, it is the responsibility of the new property owner to purchase a replacement bin/s. 
7. You must follow the local refuse and recycling rules. If you do not follow these rules, the contractor can refuse to collect the bin. You will find guidelines on the Refuse and Recycling page. 
8. Only applications for entitled properties and valid Valuation Numbers will be processed.