Rubbish barge will be back

A mobile summer rubbish barge will be back on the water in the Bay of Islands again from December 28, and boaties will be urged to use it.

The manned barge, which has become a familiar site in the Bay over the summer holiday season, is a joint venture between the Northland Regional and Far North District councils, the Department of Conservation, contractors Waste Management and Moturoa Island Ltd.

The service is weather-dependent, and may vary, but the plan is to operate it three times a week, typically on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, through to January 18. Initially it will visit campsites on Urupukapuka Island from about 9.30 to 10.30am, before mooring close to the southeastern end of Moturua Island (the same position as last summer) from around 11am until 2pm, or until it’s full.

A flat $6 fee per rubbish bag will apply, regardless of whether prepaid or plain bags are used. Recyclables will be accepted, at a fee of between $2 and $5 per bag, depending on the quantity. Any recyclables that are not clean will incur an extra charge.

Shore-based facilities will be available at Opua, and recycling only at a new site at the Kaingahoa campground, Kaingahoa Bay, on Rawhiti Rd.