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We all know the feeling of finding our wheelie bins are still full after collection day, or worse that we’ve received a warning notice.
Often, these incidents happen because items don’t meet requirements – such as oversized bags, inorganic items such as TVs and mattresses, or other non-recyclable materials.
While it can be irritating, Waikato District Council (WDC) is reminding residents that frustration should not be directed at the collection workers.
WDC recently launched a social media campaign to combat the aggressive and, at times, abusive behaviour faced by rubbish and recycling contractors.
The five-part video series, Behind the Pickup introduces the community to the people behind the service while promoting waste minimization and safe working conditions.
Sheree Holgersen from Waste Contracts says cost-of-living pressures are, understandably, further ruffling feathers.
“We know times are tight and people are looking for ways to save money,” she says. “But [contractors] are out working when many of us are still asleep, in the heat, the cold and the rain. We want to encourage good habits and greater respect for the people doing this essential work.”
The campaign is running online via waikatodistrict.govt.nz.
Inorganic collections, Auckland
Frankliners north of the border are being encouraged to make use of free inorganic collections aimed at recovering, reusing and repurposing discarded materials.
Auckland Council reminds residents to book collections – bookings are open through until May 2027 with June dates to be confirmed.
More than 450 community organisations, charities and social enterprises across the region receive inorganic materials, finding ways to give unwanted items a second life.
Jen Aldridge from The Gentle Art Company handcrafts items including upcycled journals and runs workshops encouraging others to be creative.
Robert Bruce’s Got To Get Out initiative repairs discarded bikes, many of which arrive with simple, fixable issues. Staff and volunteers at Wairau Zero Waste Hub refurbish the bikes before passing them on to people in the community.
Search ‘inorganic’ at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz to book an inorganic collection.
Both of these campaigns, in Waikato and Auckland, serve as reminders that waste management is a shared responsibility, whether it’s putting the right trash out for collection or considering how unwanted goods can be recycled.
