Ratepayer angry over abandoned recycling
Tokoroa resident Barry Moyle was left fuming last week when his recycling was not picked up.
Mr Moyle, a Tokoroa resident of 50 years, left his recycling outside his property and neatly and appropriately stored in individual containers, but the items were left behind.
Mr Moyle has raised his concerns with South Waikato District Council and was told to put his issues in writing.
‘‘It should be picked up, that is what I pay my rates on,’’ he said.
The most recent incident occurred last week when two boxes of bottles, newspapers and a sack of plastic bags were not picked up.
‘‘What they should have done is make the bins twice the size,’’ Mr Moyle said. ‘‘What is going to happen around Christmas time when these is going to be a lot of empty boxes and bottles.’’
‘‘It does not add up. The bins are not big enough for families either, more and more are going to complain,’’ he said.
The contract is currently held by Metallic Sweeping Ltd, who deliver the recycling to South Waikato Achievement Centre, an establishment that previously held the contract.
‘‘They (South Waikato Achievement Centre) would take the whole lot. The achievement centre came by and picked it all up.’’
Mr Moyle added: ‘‘They picked up everything. It is a right stuff up. Council is making their changes but they are going about it the wrong way. You are getting kicked up the backside for doing the right thing.’’
Council’s communication manager Kerry Fabrie said talks were being held with Metallic Sweeping Ltd to discuss the issues that residents have raised.
‘‘Council appreciates that some people in the community are frustrated, we are discussing the matter with the new contractor.’’
Ms Fabrie was asked what alternatives were available for ratepayers who were experiencing similar issues. ‘‘We can’t answer this one until after the meeting and decisions have been made. Council (and through contract negotiations) needs to decide if official recycling crates only will be collected or if other crates are acceptable too. It is perhaps helpful to mention that people do need to flatten boxes and plastic bottles. We have seen numerous crates where this is not happening.’’