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Landfills

There are two landfills in the Buller District – in Karamea and in Maruia. Both are owned by Buller District Council.

The Karamea landfill is operated by Westreef Services Ltd and the Maruia landfill is operated by Council.

These sites serve the local community to dispose of their refuse. Both landfills are classified as municipal landfills (class 1).

This means residents can dispose of household as well as commercial refuse in their local landfill, except, construction and demolition waste, hazardous waste, excavated natural material or refuse from industrial sources.

The two Karamea facilities – the landfill and Karamea Resource Recovery Centre and Disposal Facility – are located at the same address. Both refuse and recycling are accepted there.

Items that can be recycled at the Karamea Resource Recovery Centre and Disposal Facility include:

  • Plastics #1, #2 and #5 (rinsed, clean and lids off)
  • Glass
  • Aluminium tins and cans (rinsed, and cleaned)
  • Vehicle batteries
  • Paint containers
  • Household batteries
  • Oil, transmission fluids and hydraulics (they must be clean and dropped off in containers no larger than 20 litres)

Note, cardboard cannot be recycled in Karamea (standard refuse charges apply).

See fees and charges for the details on pricing and our recycling guidelines for each recycling zone.

  • Days of operation: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
  • Hours of operation: 9.00am - 1.00pm

Refuse can be dropped off at the Maruia landfill during opening hours. You can pay in cash only. 

The Maruia Landfill and Recycling Facility has a recycling container that has six boxes, one for plastics, one for paper/cardboard, one for cans and three for each colour of glasses (clear, brown, green).  

The container can be accessed during opening hours.   

It is essential everyone follows these guidelines using the recycling container:  

  • Only plastics #1, #2 and #5 are accepted, ensure that they are thoroughly rinsed and clean.   
  • Only clean flat cardboard and paper that is bigger than an envelope and has no liquid residue or food contamination are acceptable.    
  • Aluminium tins and glasses must be rinsed and be without any food residue.   
  • Glass must be separated by colour green, brown and clear.    
  • Do not leave any recycling material outside of the container at any time. If the container is full, dispose of your glass at the Reefton Transfer Station during opening hours. Do not leave material next to the container or surrounding areas.  
  • Do not put broken glass or mirrors in the container. They need to be disposed off as refuse at the Maruia landfill or Reefton Transfer Station.  

Scrap, green waste, e-waste (electronical waste), whiteware, large batteries, household batteries, Agre-containers are received at the Reefton Transfer Station and Recycling Centre. 

Queries about refuse and recycling in Maruia should go to Buller District Council phone 0800 807 239.

  • Days of operation: Thursday
  • Hours of operation: 1.00pm - 2.30pm

How does waste management work in Buller?

The Buller District is divided into three zones for recycling and refuse. Each of these zones has specific guidelines for recycling and refuse.

Zone one* covers Westport, the areas from Westport to the Mokihinui Bridge, Westport to Punakaiki, Westport to Reefton including Blacks Point, and Reefton to Ikamatua.

Zone two is the Karamea area, from north of the Mokihinui Bridge.

Zone three is beyond Blacks Point including Springs Junction and Maruia.

Residents in zones two and three must dispose of their waste and recycling by dropping it off at the appropriate site. There is no kerbside collection.

There are no landfills in Westport and Reefton. Refuse from zone one is collected at the Westport and Reefton transfer stations and taken to the Nelson landfill for final disposal.

Video: what happens with your recycling at the Westport transfer station

Buller solid waste management