Council is working hard to clean up the district in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, but it needs support from the community.

Wairoa District Council Chief Executive Kitea Tipuna said there had been a noticeable increase in fly dumping, which is disappointing. “We are seeing rubbish, sometimes in bags, dumped at the cemetery and playground, on roadsides throughout the township and district – sometimes even stuffed into bins in the town centre.

“Our contractors are great and go the extra mile and pick up waste when possible, but that is not their job. We are asking people to please dispose of waste in the correct way, either by using the landfill or by kerbside collection.

“We are also reminding people of the correct and free way to dispose of vehicles. If your car is deregistered, and free of fluids and rubbish, please contact Council, and we will arrange for a time for it to be taken to the landfill. Getting it on-site to the landfill is the car owner’s responsibility, maybe by towing it or on a truck or trailer, and disposal is free.

“We know there are people who have flood-damaged vehicles, and we are happy to work with you to dispose of these correctly, as leaving them abandoned on the side of the road is not helping anyone.

“A reminder too, the free collection of flood-damaged items that the Council initiated directly after the cyclone is no longer available. We are no longer able to pick-up flood damaged items or building materials free of charge, but we are happy to provide advice on how you can dispose of these items at your own cost.

“Also did you know you can save money when disposing of waste by separating and sorting.

“Keeping silt/dirt, green waste and scrap steel separate from general waste can help keep costs down.

“We are trying to focus on rebuilding, and we need our community to work with us.”

For assistance, please call Council’s waste team on 838 7309 for more information and support or complete a CSR online form via the WDC website.

Photo: Fly dumping is on the increase. Wairoa people are being asked to keep Wairoa clean by disposing of waste in an appropriate way.

6 September 2023

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