Recycling Collection Delays FAQ
When will my recycling be collected?
The recycling collection service is delayed, if you're concerned about the non or late pick-up of bins should call Council on 0800 WAIPADC (0800 924 723) but only if bin pick up is seven days overdue. Reports of missed bins could also be filed on Council’s Antenno App.
Why hasn't my recycling been collected?
Our recycling collection service is delayed due to a nationwide driving shortage. Council’s contractor Metallic Sweeping is one of hundreds of kiwi companies struggling to find trained Class 4 drivers. The driver shortage, combined with illness, is hitting hard nation-wide.
Can I get a rebate, or do I get money back from the delayed collection?
No, your recycling will still be collected. Sorting and recycling costs will still be incurred.
Are we allowed to drop recycling at the recycling centre for free since you can’t collect it?
Unfortunately not. It is best to keep your bin kerbside until your bin is collected and store additional recycling until your next collection day.
Where do I report that my recycling collection is late?
If you're concerned about the non or late pick-up of bins should call Council on 0800 WAIPADC (0800 924 723) but only if bin pick up is seven days overdue. Reports of missed bins could also be filed on Council’s Antenno App.
Did we look at changing contractors? If so, why not change or add another contractor temporarily?
No. The contract involves specialised trucks and trained staff. Finding other contractors with the right gear, trained staff AND the capacity to take on another contract at short notice is highly unlikely.
If our recycling was supposed to be collected a week ago, do we still leave it out? Will the backlog be cleared up first or do we now have to wait another 4 weeks for the next date for our collection?
No, please leave it on the kerb until collection can be made.
Can we put our glass recycling into the yellow bin?
No. Please only put mixed recycling (household plastics, tins, cans, cardboard and paper) in your yellow top bin?
Would Council put bottle skips around town for people to take their recycling to?
Unfortunately no, because of contamination we are unable to place bins around town. If possible, please store your overflow recycling and add it to the following recycling collection when the normal schedule resumes.
Are there any publicly available glass disposal bins in Waipā, to take glass in the meantime?
Unfortunately there are no glass disposal bins available to take glass in the meantime. The Te Awamutu transfer station can take glass but there is a charge to meet the costs of handling and transport.
What should I do with my excess recycling?
If your blue or yellow bin is full please store excess recycling and add it to your bin for your next collection. Unfortunately, additional catch-up runs will not be possible as this would require more trucks which we don’t have.
What sort of longer term solutions are you looking at, seems unfair to put these drivers under so much pressure every week.
The contractor is continuing to advertise for drivers and also applying to become an accredited employer to bring in drivers from overseas. It is a nationwide problem with very high demand for experienced truck drivers so the issue is not unique to Waipa.
What if my bin needs repairing?
Our contractor will continue with assisted services and bin repairs.
When will the Cambridge transfer station reopen?
Envirowaste is the owner of the Cambridge transfer station and has yet to confirm their plans. This is the latest information regarding its reopening:
