Users of the Ōpōtiki Resource Recovery Centres (RRC) will see a new layout and the weighbridge operating on site from next week - Monday 28 October 2024.
Ōpōtiki District Council Solid Waste Operations Manager, Anthony Kirikiri, said that there had been a few delays to getting the weighbridge operational, but he was pleased to see the process up and running this month.
“We had a few technical difficulties and because we are completely cash-free at our RRCs, making sure the interface works with eftpos is vital. It took a while but it is great to have everything operating from next week. It will be new for users and staff and so I appreciate everyone’s patience with the process and change for the first few weeks,” Mr Kirikiri said.
Several other changes to rubbish and recycling at the RRCs have also come in this year, of particular note is that recycling is now free at the Ōpōtiki RRC so people will be able to take recyclables off the trailer, sort it, and then weigh their vehicle and only pay for rubbish.
“There are lots of reasons for households to reduce waste where they can – obviously it saves money now to make sure recyclables are taken out, greenwaste is composted at home, where possible things are repaired for example by the incredible team at the Repair Café, re-used and re-purposed. This is better for the environment and of course our back pockets.
“Moving from a volume-based system to a weight-based system with the weighbridge is another incentive to do this properly so you are not paying “waste” charges for things that can be recycled. It is also fairer and clearer and we can be more exact with our measurements rather than “eyeballing” the amount of different materials.
“Our hard-working team will still be central to our processes, so thanks to them for all their work so far. There are changes to the roading layout at the RRC to ensure vehicles move safely around the weighbridge and all the other main areas. We may not have all the new painted road-markings in place by Monday so there will be cones marking the layout, so please drive slowly and take extra care as we all get used to the changes,” Mr Kirikiri said.
The weighbridge was funded through Better Off and Waste Levy funding. You can find out more about rubbish and recycling in the Ōpōtiki District on the council website www.odc.govt.nz/rubbish
