Tuturumuri to lose recycling centre

TO SHUT: There will be no recyling site in Tuturumuri after continued dumping of rubbish contaminated the site. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The Tuturumuri Recycling Centre is set to close soon because of people dumping rubbish and creating a health and safety risk.

People had been dumping general household rubbish and even animal carcasses at the site, contaminating recyclables and Earthcare workers who were tasked to sort through the rubbish.

The recycling site was established more than 10 years ago but the problem had escalated in the last year.

Contracted to South Wairarapa District Council to do the recycling, Earthcare cleaned up the rubbish for free but said it was no longer prepared to do so.

Residents were also concerned the site was being abused by visitors so the council proposed to move the site to a "more visible" location in centre of Tuturumuri to deter people from dumping their rubbish.

However, people living nearby the proposed location did not want it near their properties because of the rubbish issue.

In March, council asked residents for alternative options.

Some wanted to close the site and use the already established option of paying for the full rubbish and recycling collection service on top of their rates.

At a council meeting yesterday, councillors unanimously agreed to close it after a report by officers recommended the closure.

Martinborough ward councillor Brian Jephson said he had talked to residents at a meeting in Tuturumuri who said it had been a useful service for them.

"Some residents would have liked to see it carried on but they knew quite well where it is now is being abused.

"They are quite happy to see it go, on that basis."

Martinborough ward councillor Julie Riddell said she reluctantly supported the closure.

"I'm very sorry to see a service that has been previously provided and enjoyed by residents recommended to be withdrawn but I support this, unfortunately."

The closure will affect the 390 people living in the area, who will now have to opt in for the collection service or take their recycling to Martinborough's transfer station or Ngawi.

Currently, the Ngawi site only has rubbish bins but the council proposes to move the Tuturumuri recycling bins there. The Tuturumuri site will not close until all residents are notified.