Feedback still wanted on waste collection changes

Feedback is still wanted from Southland District residents about what wheelie bin system they would like. Southland District Council asset manager water and waste Ian Evans said Council is leaning towards the two-bin system - one for general rubbish and one for recycling, but nothing is set in stone yet. "We are really interested in feedback from users of the wheelie bin system. Council has been considering what number of wheelie bins should be provided and because of the cost had been thinking three bins would not be viable, but if people really want it, they need to let us know," Mr Evans said.

Invercargill City Council has been carrying out extensive advertising of the proposal to go to three bins in the city and some Southland residents have been contacting councillors and the Mayor to say they want three bins as well.

Southland District Council, Gore District Council and Invercargill City Council have been working together to have a joint waste contract for the whole region. The proposal was originally to have three bins - one for recycling, one for green waste and one for general rubbish - everywhere, but the cost increase, which could be in the region of $200 per wheelie bin user for Southland District, was considered to be too high by councillors. Several submissions, both for and against three bins, were made during Council's LTCCP and Annual Plan process.

Council is also seeking feedback at the moment from people on the Te Anau wheelie bin route, as it is proposed to change collection day from Monday to either Thursday or Friday because of cost.

Mr Evans said a flyer has been sent asking residents to choose whether they want to keep Monday as collection day, with the probability of them having to pay extra for that, or to change to another day.