Westland District Council provides a separate kerbside rubbish and recycling bin for each property in Kumara, Hokitika and Ross, and connecting rural roads.
Rubbish and recycling are collected on a weekly, rotating basis from these townships. Check out our collection days to find out when your bin will be collected. Bins need to be at the kerbside by 8am. This collection schedule runs every day except Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
If items are found in a recycling bin which cannot be recycled, the bin will not be collected that week.
Other areas in Westland have access to our transfer stations, where recycling and glass are collected for free. Find information about transfer stations.
As part of our commitment to reducing the waste sent to landfill, we work with West Coast Regional Council, Grey District Council and Buller District Council on the West Coast Regional Waste Minimisation and Management Plan. We encourage our communities to reduce, reuse and recycle where possible and use rubbish bins correctly.
For questions about waste and recycling contact waste.matters@westlanddc.govt.nz
Before you recycle:
- Rinse all containers
- Make sure it's no bigger than 3 litres
- Remove the lids
- Remove bubble wrap and plastic packaging from cardboard boxes (tape and labels are okay).
The following items go into the yellow recycling bin:
- Cardboard/Paper no smaller than a standard size envelope
- Plastic containers and bottles (numbered 1, 2, and 5)
- Metal tins and cans
- Paper
Your bin will not be collected if it contains anything that cannot be recycled.
What happens to recycled material?
Recyclable material collected from Hokitika Transfer Station is sent to Timaru for processing.
What you can put in your rubbish?
The following can go into your rubbish bin:
- General rubbish
- Plastic wraps and foil wraps
- Disposable cups, plates and cutlery
- Polystyrene takeaway containers and meat trays
- Nappies and sanitary products
- Broken glass, wrapped
- Some plastic items
- Aerosol cans
- Noxious weeds
The following should not go into your rubbish bin:
- Hot ashes
- Garden waste
- Medical waste
- Building material
- Large household items
- LPG bottles
- Chemicals and hazardous items
- Recyclable items such as cans, glass and plastic bottles, paper and cardboard
What can't go in the recycling or rubbish bins?
Good quality, clean textiles and household goods can be donated to your local charity shop.
Household waste (including glass bottles and jars), gas cylinders, green waste and large household items can be taken to the transfer station. Many items can be dropped off for free. See our fees and charges for more information.
E-waste can be taken to Hokitika Transfer Station for free.
Fly-tipping is the illegal, deliberate dumping of waste on public or private property.
It includes everything from black bin bags to large quantities of commercial and domestic waste. Fly-tipped waste is often found in areas such as lay-bys, car parks or on private land; also on country roads, cycle paths and other areas, often hidden from public view.
It’s a serious offence, with fines up to $1,500 upon conviction in court.
Why is it a problem?
- It costs a considerable amount of public money every year to clear and it’s taxpayers and private landowners who pay
- It’s dangerous to people and wildlife and damages the environment
- It spoils the enjoyment of our towns, villages and countryside
- It undermines legitimate waste businesses because illegal operators undercut those operating within the law
- Areas which are frequently fly-tipped may see property prices go down and local businesses may see a loss in trade
How to report fly-tipping
If waste is deposited on private land it is the responsibility of the land owner to have the materials removed and legally disposed of. You may report fly-tipping by contacting us. Alternatively you can report an incident by telephoning Council on 03 756 9010. It’s helpful if you can use the form below to record details of fly tipping and email it to us.
What should I do if I see someone fly-tipping?
If possible make a note of the vehicle type, colour and registration and a description of the person fly-tipping. Report the incident by using Snap, Send, Solve to us even if you were not able to take these details. Please try to provide us with a clear description of both the type of materials involved and the exact location.
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