Right bin, right place, and reducing our waste

Published on 27 June 2025

Arun Street bin with domestic rubbish.png

Waitaki District Council is continuing its efforts to improve the way public spaces are looked after, taking a more efficient approach to public rubbish bin provision and encouraging “pack in, pack out” behaviour from the community. A recent review recommended approximately 21% of public bins be removed.

The review has been completed as part of Council’s initiatives to reduce costs – with the bins identified for removal being either under-used, over-used with illegal household waste dumping, or located near other bins, meaning people will still have access to a bin within walking distance in most areas. This move is expected to result in annual savings of around $42,276 or 18% of the current public bin servicing budget.

The main area where bins are to be removed is central Ōamaru, where there is an unnecessary intensity of bins, resulting in unnecessary servicing costs, or where bins are located outside business premises that are no longer active.

Director of Natural and Built Environment Roger Cook says "This is about using our resources wisely. The goal is to ensure we’re delivering the right services in the right places, while reducing unnecessary costs to ratepayers,”

“It’s also about changing behaviour – some rubbish bins see a lot of household rubbish or illegal dumping. Public place rubbish bins are for rubbish that you generate while you are out and about, not getting rid of waste from homes or businesses.”

“We’re working to reduce misuse of public bins which puts an unfair burden on the wider community, and we want to promote that there are simple things you can do to reduce the rubbish you might create when out and about by adopting a “pack-in, packout” approach or using reusable items rather than single use items”.

Locality Officers will also be monitoring the situation when working in their communities to ensure remaining bins are coping and being utilised in the appropriate way.

Council has also taken on board public concerns around responsible disposal of the bins themselves. Removed bins will be stored appropriately and reused or repurposed wherever possible.

“We’ve heard from our community that we need to cut costs. Every dollar saved and every little action we take personally to be responsible with our rubbish will have a positive impact on our community” says Mr. Cook.

“This is a small but important part of being a responsible council and looking after our shared spaces and natural environment.”

ENDS