Cleaner litter bins for Hauraki
Hauraki’s litter bins are getting an upgrade, and the new system will keep our public spaces clean, improve safety for the team who look after them, and reduce ongoing costs.
Total spending on litter bins across the district reached $382,456 in 2023/24, more than $114,000 over budget. Annual operational savings under the new approach are projected at around $108,000 from year two onwards.
What’s changing
Over the coming months, the Big Belly compactor bins across the district will be replaced with a new system designed to better suit how litter is collected here.
The change is about more than the bins. A new rear-loader garbage truck has been purchased so our team can empty bins mechanically, rather than manually lifting heavy bags. That's better for our people and means collections can be done more efficiently.
What's happening where
- 49 Big Belly bins into town centres and high-use areas will be replaced with new Methven aluminium bin shells housing a standard 240-litre wheelie bin. These will sit on existing concrete plinths.
- 11 Big Belly bins in parks, reserves, and sportsgrounds will be replaced with 240-litre wheelie bins on a secure stand.
- 13 Big Belly bins will be removed from low use locations or sites regularly receiving household waste that public litter bins aren't intended to manage. Signage will encourage a “take it home” approach.
- 12 recycling bin units will be replaced with standard 2-way bin shells following trials that showed heavy contamination.
Keeping our spaces clean - together
Public litter bins are designed for on-the-go rubbish. In some locations, we're asking people to take larger amounts of rubbish home with them. By taking responsibility for our own waste, we can all help keep Hauraki's parks, reserves, and public spaces welcoming for everyone.
Where illegal dumping occurs, Council will use the enforcement tools available under the Litter Act.
When will this happen?
These changes are currently being rolled out.
