New transfer station for Waipapa’s waste

A new refuse transfer station opened in Waipapa yesterday, following a deal struck between the Far North District Council and Northland Waste.

The Kerikeri/Waipapa refuse transfer station, which is down a lane at 1913 SH10, on the corner of Farm Source, opening from 7.30am to 5pm week days and 9am to 5pm on weekends, will accept bulk and bagged rubbish, household recycling, e-waste, whiteware, scrap metal, waste oil and hazardous household waste.

FNDC general manager — infrastructure and asset management Andy Finch said Kerikeri residents had been asking for a transfer station for several years, and Northland Waste had invested significantly to develop the facility over the last 12 months, installing additional equipment required to make it suitable for public use and employing three new workers.

“Currently Kerikeri residents must make a 40-minute round trip to Whitehills, the nearest council refuse station, on SH10,” Mr Finch said.

“A key goal of our waste plan is to have a recycling facility within 15 minutes’ drive of the majority of residents. The new Waipapa site will finally make that a reality for Kerikeri.”

Working with Northland Waste had brought forward plans to open a new transfer station by at least two years.

“Northland Waste was already building its own facility in Waipapa, and has included a public drop-off facility within that site. This was secured on very favourable terms, so ratepayers have gained a transfer station earlier than planned and at a cost saving,” he added.

Green waste could be taken to Waipapa Landscape Supplies, which already operated a successful and competitively-priced composting service, he said.