Disposal charge coming

From July 1, a small fee is being introduced for disposing of whiteware at recycling centres in Katikati, Athenree and Te Puke.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is introducing the fee at all its recycling centres to cover the cost of disposal.

Large whiteware items, such as fridges, washing machines, driers and stoves, will cost $10 to dispose of. Smaller whiteware items, such as microwaves and benchtop ovens, will cost $5.

Council’s utilities manager Kelvin Hill says the cost for scrap metal is low and metal recyclers are struggling.

“This means council gets less return for the whiteware items. Many people are also removing the valuable parts from their whiteware and dropping off the remains— which we must dispose of at a cost.

“We are introducing the fee to drop off whiteware so we can cover the cost of disposal and prevent recycling centres from becoming a tip area for unwanted items of no value.”

Kelvin says the fees are in line with many other councils in New Zealand.