Proposed Fortnightly Rubbish Collection Trial (the below information is supplied from Auckland Council to bring public awareness).
Consultation dates: 13 to 31 October 2025
Background
The main purpose of this proposed trial is to reduce waste going to landfill. Every year, Auckland sends around 1.5 million tonnes of waste to landfill – enough to fill Eden Park every week. Landfill space is limited, expensive and has broader environmental costs. Auckland Council has a responsibility to reduce waste as part of our long-term goal for Tāmaki Makaurau to move towards Zero Waste by 2040. http://www.wastenothing.co.nz
Recent audits show that almost half of what goes into the average household rubbish bin could be diverted as resources through food scraps and recycling services. When all three bins – food scraps, recycling and rubbish – are used correctly, we expect most households will manage with fortnightly rubbish collections.
Evidence from three New Zealand Councils that have introduced fortnightly kerbside rubbish collections alongside weekly food scraps, and fortnightly recycling have achieved some impressive results. For example, Hamilton and Tauranga have approximately halved their kerbside waste. Experiences from Aotearoa and overseas show no corresponding increase in illegal dumping or littering following a move to less frequent rubbish collections.
Reducing landfill waste also cuts greenhouse gas emissions, supporting climate action goals and protecting communities for future generations. Other benefits include better use of valuable materials, lower service costs and fewer trucks on the road and fewer bins on the street.
We want to hear from you and your communities
In October 2024, Auckland Council’s Policy and Planning Committee agreed to consult with Aucklanders following the consultation outcome of the Waste Minimisation and Management Plan (WMMP) 2024: Draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP) 2024 | AK Have Your Say. Draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP) 2024 | AK Have Your Say.
From 13 October 2025, Auckland Council will be seeking feedback on a proposed six-month trial to test moving from weekly to fortnightly kerbside rubbish collections in parts of Te Atatū Peninsula, Panmure/ Tāmaki and Clendon Park/ Weymouth. Residents and ratepayers in the proposed trial areas, along with anyone interested, are encouraged to have their say during the consultation period: https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/proposed-fortnightly-rubbish-collection-trial
More information on the proposal will be available in the consultation materials. The public’s feedback will help councillors decide whether to proceed with the trial, which if approved, would run from late February until late August 2026, covering about 10,000 properties. Any decision to introduce fortnightly rubbish collections across Auckland would be consulted on as part of the 2027 Long Term Plan. No region-wide change would happen before 2028.
Together, we can reduce waste and help protect our environment and the places we live.