Consultation Opens For Fortnightly Rubbish Trial

Monday, 13 October 2025, 8:42 pm
Article: Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter

Auckland ratepayers can now have their say on a proposal to trial a fortnightly rubbish collection, with the consultation under way from today. 

The proposed six-month trial to begin next February, if approved, will affect three areas in the region - parts of Te Atatū Peninsula, Panmure/Tāmaki, and Clendon Park/Weymouth. Participating households would receive a temporary rates reduction to reflect the change from weekly to fortnightly collections.

Auckland Council’s waste solutions general manager Justine Haves said feedback from residents will be important in helping elected members decide whether the trial goes ahead. 

“We understand that changes to rubbish services matter and they need to work for Aucklanders,” Haves said. 

“That’s why we’re consulting with the public before anything happens. We know people have questions, so we’re sharing clear information, so everyone feels confident to have their say during consultation.” 

She said they had set out the key concerns and facts so Aucklanders can feel confident giving feedback based on clear and accurate information. Haves said fortnightly rubbish collections will not be permanent for all of Auckland. 

“The proposed trial would apply only to selected parts of Auckland for six months. No decision has been made yet on whether fortnightly collections will become permanent.” The trial will affect about 10,000 households. Councillors will consider community feedback before deciding in December whether the trial should proceed. 

“There are no plans for a region-wide rollout of fortnightly rubbish collections at this stage. 

“The purpose of the trial is to gather information to inform future decisions on how Auckland’s waste is collected. Any future changes would be consulted on as part of the 2027 Long-term Plan.” 

Haves said feedback from the consultation was vital for the council to understand barriers some households may face. 

“Every year, Aucklanders send over a million tonnes of rubbish to landfill. The proposed trial is a chance for trial participants to help us explore new ways to reduce waste and protect our environment.” 

If the six-month-long trial goes ahead, ratepayers in the selected areas will receive a reduction on their final 2026 rates instalment, due in May 2026. 

The amount would depend on the size of the rubbish bin at the start of the proposed trial, ranging from $23.30 for an 80-litre bin to $46.50 for a 240-litre bin. Consultation will run from October 13 to 31, and residents can provide feedback online, attend local drop-in events or an online webinar, or fill in feedback forms at libraries and local board offices. 

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

© Scoop Media

Local Democracy Reporting

Content from the Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) service is published by Scoop as a registered New Zealand Media Outlet LDR Partner.