As local operator says it will now need to downsize

suppliers less favourably than Kiwi suppliers. “Any procurement decisions must be based on the best public value over the whole-of-life of the goods, services or works. While Envirowaste is not a Nz-owned company, they employ over 900 people nationwide and will be looking for skilled employees who are currently employed in Tauranga’s waste services to be part of their team.”

Tauranga mayor Tenby Powell acknowledged the impact on other private companies of the change.

“We know that some companies currently operating kerbside waste collections will be adversely affected by this decision, and that’s a matter of regret in these difficult times. However, this is one of those occasions where we have to make a difficult decision to get the best outcome for our community and the environment.”

Others have also expressed concerns about the new service.

Papamoa Residents and Ratepayers Association chairman Philip Brown said he thought the council had “missed the boat” and he had concerns about how much ratepayers could be paying in years to come. “All the costs only show the first year, that’s the scary thing.”

Sustainable Business Network Bay of Plenty manager Glen Crowther said $230 “seems exceptionally good value”, with $193 covering rubbish, recycling and food scraps.

“That confirms . . . the council taking back control of the kerbside waste system will offer better value overall and reduce the number of trucks going up and down our streets every rubbish day.”

A 100 per cent rates-funded model, however, “goes against the polluter pays principle and penalises households that currently spent much less than $193 per year on waste”.

He said a user-pays model for rubbish would have saved more waste from landfill.

Envirohub Bay of Plenty chairwoman Mary Dillon, a former city councillor, said the service was an “essential” step in the right direction but also wished there was a user pays option.

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council has also contracted Envirowaste for its new kerbside collection service, which will see rubbish charged by the throw rather than through rates for most residents. — Additional reporting Leah Tebbutt, Caroline Fleming