Bookings are now open for annual inorganic collections across Waiheke Island, Aotea / Great Barrier Island and Rakino Island.
The annual inorganic collection is for items that have reached the end of the road. It gives Hauraki Gulf Island residents a convenient way to dispose of bulky household items that can no longer be reused, repaired or recycled locally.
Chair of the Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board Izzy Fordham says making the most of available resources is part of island life.
"Anamata CRC plays an important role in helping keep resources in circulation on Aotea, whether that's through reuse, recycling or sharing materials locally. The annual inorganic collection complements that work by providing a convenient way to dispose of larger items that have reached the end of the road, helping protect the island environment and support our low-waste aspirations."
Chair of the Waiheke Local Board Kylee Matthews agrees, saying the service is an important complement to the island's reuse culture.
"Tīkapa Moana / Te Moananui-ā-Toi (Islands of the Hauraki Gulf) have built a strong culture of resource recovery, with community embracing opportunities to repair, donate and pass on items before considering disposal. The annual inorganic collection is an opportunity to be part of a circular waste stream, providing a practical option for larger household items that need rehoming and helping keep valuable materials out of landfill where possible."
Any items collected that still have reuse value are assessed and managed through island facilities including the Waiheke Community Resource Recovery Park and Community Recycling Centre on Waiheke, Anamata Community Recycling Centre on Aotea / Great Barrier Island, and the collection compound at Home Bay on Rakino Island.
Auckland Council General Manager Waste Solutions Justine Haves says the collections play a different role on the islands to that of mainland Auckland collections, which often recover items that still have reuse potential.
"Island communities are incredibly resourceful, so most items booked for collection have already been given every chance for reuse, repair or recycling. The inorganic collection provides a service for picking up bulky end-of-life household items when those options have been exhausted."
Residents can book online on the Auckland Council website or call 09 301 0101.