Recycling truck in accident

An accident this morning has put Waipā’s glass recycling truck out for at least a week.

The truck and driver were involved in an incident this morning in Te Pahu. While no other vehicles were involved, the driver is very shaken.

The truck has now been towed to a workshop and is being assessed for damage. However it is likely the purpose-built vehicle will be out of action at least all week, severely interrupting Waipā’s glass recycling collection which has only just recently come back on stream.

Council’s group manager service delivery Dawn Inglis said she appreciated this was another setback in what had been a problematic few months for the contracted recycling service. In mid-October a shortage of drivers, plus sickness, had forced council to put a temporary hold on its glass recycling collection. Contractors were only now starting to address the backlog and get services back on track, she said.

“This is another blow and we apologise for that. But we are very grateful no-one was seriously hurt and will be doing all we can to catch up as soon as possible. We appreciate this is frustrating for everyone, including us. But our contractors are doing their best in very difficult circumstances.”

Council would provide regular updates on the service through local media and on Council’s facebook page, Inglis said. Customers could also call the Council on 0800 924 723.