A new recycling depot set up at Rawene in South Hokianga is already proving a success, locals say.
Rob Pink, who heads the charitable trust Hokianga Treks 4 Kids, said the depot was already well used, despite opening just last month.
The trust manages the Rawene community recycling facility for East West
Waste.
"We've had very few problems so far. People have been pretty good about sorting their recycling into the right bins and bags. There is a small amount of non-recyclable rubbish being left in the bins. But generally it's been good," he said.
The amount of recycling left at Rawene suggested people had hoarded items until the depot opened. Within two weeks of opening a complete bin of cardboard had been collected, Mr Pink said.
"The message is it's up to all of us to make sure it works. If we abuse it, we lose it. That will mean trips to Opononi or Kaikohe to recycle," he said.
"Recycling just makes sense. People will find that rubbish bags will only need to be put out for collection a couple of times a month if they recycle and that saves everybody money."
Community recycling depots are now available at Rawene and Whangaroa, and another will open at Broadwood this month. Recycling continues to be collected from Maromaku, Motatau, Okaihau and Horeke via the Molok bins. The new depots are part of the Far North District Council's recently adopted Waste Management and Minimisation Plan.
