Golden Bay still “doing the recycling thing well”
Recycling continues to attract plenty of support in Golden Bay but there are ways to make it easier and safer for the workers, says transfer station manager Gary Clough. Developments at the Takaka transfer station also show Streetsmart's continuing commitment to the reduction of rubbish going to landfill.
"This community is doing the recycling thing well," said Gary. "Especially here at the station. So much newspaper and cardboard is being brought here that we've built a shelter over the bins where they're kept. It keeps the stuff out of the weather and makes sure it can be sold at the best price. People can now back up to the bins and be out of the weather themselves."
Gary did have some requests he wanted to pass on to people using the kerbside rubbish and recycling service.
"First of all, we'd be glad if people didn't put their stuff out for collection on Fridays or Saturdays. It gives the dogs too much chance to get into it and they can make a mess. Our collectors don't have to pick up rubbish that's been spread all over the place. Holidaymakers leaving before collection day could ask their neighbours to put their bags and bins out by eight on Monday morning. People also need to remember to use their official recycling containers. Cardboard boxes are no good in the wet. If anyone needs a bin they just have to ring Streetsmart in Richmond and arrange to pick one up from the transfer station."
The recycling store at the transfer station, affectionately known as Mitre Eleven, continues to offer a huge range of bargains. Store manager Heather Balck says that turnover is her main focus.
"So long as people remember that everything in the store was brought here to be disposed of, everything is fine," she said. "The store does a good job of reducing the amount of rubbish that goes to landfill and it gives people access to all sorts of things at really cheap prices. It's a like a continuous garage sale."
Mr Clough said that Streetsmart was keen to keep supporting the recycling shop because it was an important part of its policy to divert as much as possible away from landfill.
"We thank everyone for their patience and support and and send them season's greetings."
The Takaka transfer station is open seven days a week at the moment. Its hours are 8.30am-4pm from Monday to Friday and 9am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday.
The Collingwood transfer station is open from 1pm-4pm every day.
Neil Wilson
