Editorial: Why recycling won't be kicked to the kerb

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Money talks, and when it comes to paying rates, it talks even louder.

Rotorua Lakes Council is putting its Long-term Plan out for public consultation next week.

Among the many issues it addresses is waste management including kerbside recycling.

Kerbside recycling is a topic that seemingly gets recycled every few years as the council at the time reconsiders it as an option for locals.

In 2010 we reported on a council decision not to go ahead with kerbside recycling in the city.

The council had received nearly 3000 submissions in favour of expanding the in-town recycling centre and building a satellite centre in Ngongotaha. Just 464 submissions were received in favour of kerbside recycling.

Councillors voted 8-4 in favour of the former option.

"Our public have said they don't want kerbside recycling," then mayor Kevin Winters said.

Fast forward a few years and things have changed.

The Long-term Plan 2015-2025 consultation document says nearly 80 per cent of people surveyed supported a kerbside recycling service to encourage waste reduction.

For the first time in a long time it looks like kerbside recycling could happen in Rotorua.

Why? Not only does it look to be popular with locals, but it's the council's preferred option for a future waste management service and could also be the cheapest option for ratepayers.

As seen in today's story, options for weekly and fortnightly refuse and recycling collection are still cheaper than the current paper bag option.

Money talks.

If ratepayers can save $30 with an option that includes recycling what's not to like?
Of course, time, and public feedback, will tell. Consultation starts next week.

But popularity and cost aren't necessarily the best reasons to do something. If kerbside recycling can reduce waste going to the landfill - glass and recyclables make up nearly half of Rotorua household refuse - that's one more good reason to support it.