New transfer station charges reflect the true cost of waste disposal

New waste disposal charges at Far North District Council transfer stations will come into effect from 1 August, following council approval of updated Fees and Charges on 25 June.

The updated pricing better reflects the actual cost of operating transfer stations, transporting waste and disposing of the district’s waste to landfill. Charges also help to ensure that the people generating waste contribute a fairer share to the costs associated with its management, rather than those costs being increasingly subsidised by the wider ratepayer base.

While some fees have increased, charges continue to be lower than those of many other city and district councils around Aotearoa.

From 1 August, the new waste disposal charges are:

• Standard rubbish bag (65L): $4
• Oversized rubbish bag (130L): $7
• Wheelie bin (240L): $12.50
• Loose material: $52 per m³
• Compacted material: $84 per m³

Green waste charges will remain unchanged at $22 per cubic metre to continue encouraging residents to divert organic waste from landfill. Recycling at transfer stations and community recycling centres will remain free, you can read more here.

The delayed implementation date provides time to communicate new fees to residents and for the installation of updated Fees and Charges signage at all transfer stations before new pricing takes effect.

The changes also support council's commitments under the Solid Waste Strategy 2025–2050 and the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2025–2031, which focus on responsible waste management, increasing resource recovery and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.

Residents are encouraged to make use of the existing free recycling drop-off facilities at transfer stations and community recycling centres and consider opportunities to reuse, repair, recycle or compost materials before throwing away.

Kerbside rubbish and recycling collection services are provided by commercial companies. Any enquiries about the collection charges should be directed to the relevant service provider. More information on rubbish and recycling can be found here.