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The controversial recycling bins presented to Auckland City residents this year are getting a verbal thumping on Waiheke Island. Residents say the 140-litre bins are "totally unworkable".
More than 1500 residents signed an online petition to get the bins off the agenda, but Auckland City Council has opened tenders for a new recycling contract with the bins included as an option.
John Stansfield, executive director of Cleanstream Waiheke, which runs the island's refuse collections and transfer station, said the bins would increase costs and pose a danger.
Many houses had long gravel driveways, some no driveway at all and others had only steps leading to their houses. There were no footpaths, and roads were so narrow trucks wouldn't fit.
"The average Waihekian puts out 46 litres of rubbish a week. If you give them a 140-litre receptacle it's unlikely you will see anything other than an increase in rubbish," said Mr Stansfield.
Currently, all refuse on Waiheke is sorted at the transfer station and either recycled, composted, sold or reused, with the remainder going to Auckland's landfills.
Councillor Aaron Bhatnagar, chairman of Auckland City Council's city development committee, said the council was obliged to put contracts out to tender as part of the procurement process.
