Compactors confound campers
They are meant to cut down on the mountains of trash created by Coromandel holidaymakers.
Instead, a collection of portable rubbish compactors strategically positioned in busy spots around the peninsula are attracting huge piles of trash dumped by campers unable or unwilling to make use of the machines.
The solar powered, coin-operated devices only cost $2 per load and any large bag of rubbish placed inside gets swiftly squished down to size once it is activated.
In spite of the low cost people seem to have balked at the prospect of shelling out anything at all to reduce their waste footprint – much to the dismay of staff at the Thames Coromandel District Council.
‘‘This is the second pile of rubbish we have had to clear in less than a week,’’ infrastructure group manager Bruce Hinson said of one trash mountain that appeared next to a compactor located north of Colville.
‘‘We need people to understand that they have to put the rubbish into the compactor themselves to dispose of their rubbish bags properly, and not just dump it next to the compactor.’’
These compactors were otherwise proving ideal devices because they could be moved around the district and placed at points where the council frequently had issues with rubbish disposal, taking the pressure off small communities that were easily overwhelmed by hordes of visitors using the facilities.
There were other ways that the machines were not being used properly – including a few vandalism incidents – and some breakdowns had occurred. They were also not recommended as receptacles for any kind of hazardous waste. People still need to take such substances to refuse transfer stations.
The compactors are located at the Kuaotunu Boat Ramp on State Highway 25, opposite the turnoff to the 88 Kuaotunu-Wharekaho Rd; at the Opoutere Community Hall; at the old Coroglen Saleyards site south of the Waiwawa River bridge; and at the intersection of Port Jackson and Port Charles roads, at the northern end of Colville Road.
‘‘Before any compactor is placed on a site we discuss it with the local resident and ratepayer groups, as well as informing the local community affected,’’ Hinson said. ‘‘We also welcome ideas from communities about any other possible sites where they can be trialled.’’