Community invited to help shape the future of waste services

Residents in Invercargill and Gore are being encouraged to share their views on potential changes to household waste collection services in their communities.

WasteNet Chair, Gore District Deputy Mayor Keith Hovell said it was important residents’ voices were heard before any decisions were made.

“We need their input to ensure their waste services reflect both the needs of our communities, and their values,” he said.

Invercargill City Councillor Grant Dermody said consultation on service options in the Invercargill City and Gore District areas would run from 1 August to 1 September.

“This is a significant opportunity for everybody in Invercargill and Gore, to help shape more sustainable and effective waste services throughout their communities.”

Several options would be considered:

• Option 1: Glass recycling bin
• Option 2: Glass recycling bin + organics recycling bin
• Option 3: Retention of existing services (Invercargill) and planned services (Gore)

Introduction of a new glass recycling bin, alongside current refuse (red bin) and recycling (yellow) bin services

Introduction of a new glass recycling bin, as well as a new green recycling bin (food and organic waste), alongside current refuse (red bin) and recycling (yellow) bin services

Retaining existing services (Invercargill) and planned services (Gore), including refuse (red bin) and recycling (yellow) bin services, with glass still collected in the yellow recycling bin

WasteNet Director Fiona Walker said the shared service – comprised of representatives from Gore District Council, Invercargill City Council, and Southland District Council – was working to implement a unified regional waste strategy.

Both the Gore District and Invercargill City councils would consult with their respective communities, including holding hearings and deliberations, before determining their preferred option for the future of solid waste services in their respective communities, she said.

For more information, and to make a submission, click here