Boaties urged to use floating dump

The NRC's rubbish barge in action last summer. Photo / File

Boaties enjoying the waters of the Bay of Islands this summer can dump their rubbish in a mobile barge.

The popular rubbish barge will be back on the water this summer and authorities are urging boaties to use it.

The manned barge is a joint venture between the Northland Regional and Far North District councils, the Department of Conservation and contractor Waste Management.

Starting from December 28, the barge will typically operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on a weather-dependent basis to allow boaties to drop off rubbish and recyclables. The service will reduce towards the end of January as demand drops off.

Those wanting to use the barge should listen to Russell Radio (VHF Channel 63) or visit www.nrc.govt.nz/rubbishbarge for information on when and where it will be available.

In a slight change from last year, on days when it is available, the barge will first visit campsites on Urupukapuka Island from 9.30am-11am before mooring close to the south-eastern end of Moturua Island from 11.30am until 2.30pm.

A flat $5 fee per rubbish bag applies regardless of whether pre-paid or plain bags are used. Recyclables are accepted, but a fee also applies depending on the quantity.

-Meanwhile, the FNDC, again with Waste Management, will provide a separate, shore-based seasonal refuse/recycling service in the Bay of Islands from December 26.

Shore-based facilities will be available at:

Opua; by the Port Opua fuel jetty, and will open 7am-6pm until January 24

Rawhiti; Te Tawa Hill, north end of Kaingahoa Bay, and will open 1pm-5pm until January 30

Details about the shore-based facilities are also available via: www.nrc.govt.nz/rubbishbarge