Rotorua Lakes Council is moving forward with plans to switch to fortnightly general rubbish collection, despite facing pushback from residents who have launched an online petition opposing the change.
New Waste System Coming to Rotorua
Following community consultation in 2022, the council decided to introduce a Food Organics and Green Organics (FOGO) collection service. Residents will receive 80-litre green-lid wheelie bins for organic waste – including food scraps and garden clippings – starting in May. Simultaneously, general rubbish collection, currently weekly, will transition to a fortnightly schedule beginning in July.
The proposed changes have sparked concern among some residents, with an online petition garnering nearly 4,000 signatures. Petitioners argue that fortnightly collection is “simply not practical,” potentially leading to overflowing bins and health risks, particularly for larger households.
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell addressed concerns on Facebook, explaining that households will maintain the same overall level of service, with waste simply divided between two bins. The council’s infrastructure and assets manager, Stavros Michael, stated that reducing organic waste sent to landfill will facilitate manage rising costs associated with government levies and landfill space.
The new collection service will be operated by Smart Environmental under a nine-year contract, adding approximately $24.71 annually to household rates. Organic waste will be processed at the Ecogas facility in Reporoa, where it will be converted into energy, biogas, and fertilizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FOGO service?
FOGO, or Food Organics and Green Organics, is a new kerbside collection service for organic waste, including food scraps and garden clippings.
When will the changes take effect?
Green-lid bins will be delivered in May, and the new collection schedule – weekly organics, fortnightly general rubbish – will begin in July.
What happens to the organic waste?
Organic waste will be sent to the Ecogas facility in Reporoa, where it will be processed into energy, biogas and fertiliser.
As Rotorua prepares for these changes, will residents adapt their waste disposal habits to align with the new system, and what impact will this have on overall landfill diversion rates?
