Palmerston recycling group Waihemo Wastebusters will start a trial weekly household street collection of recyclable materials in Palmerston tomorrow.
As the Waitaki District Council pulls out of supporting rubbish collection, the Palmerston group will move in to collect recycling materials.
They had been encouraged to take this step by the high level of community support so far shown to Waihemo Wastebusters, Waihemo Wastebusters Chairman Dr Pat Shannon of Palmerston said.
From tomorrow, Waihemo Wastebusters will collect recyclable materials in its distinctive blue bags if people leave them out at the gate or kerbside.
The cost of the bags will remain at $2.
It is expected that people will be able to reduce their rubbish collection by up to 80%.
It would, for the first time, enable diversion of large amounts of recyclable and reusable materials away from the tip, with great benefit to the environment and ratepayers' pockets, Dr Shannon said.
The group would be collecting recycling material only, Dr Shannon said.
Only clean items, as listed on the bags and on a fridge leaflet to be distributed this week would be accepted, No rubbish will be taken.
Waihemo Wastebusters have been given support by the Otago Community Trust and Work and Income to undertake the six-month trial of kerbside recycling collection until May 31, 2010.
The future of the kerbside re-cycling scheme beyond the trial depends on community support and whether Waihemo Wastebusters can become self-sufficient, he said.
Waihemo Wastebusters was still willing to enter into discussions with the Waitaki District Council, Dr Shannon said.
The group would like to get a share of the council spending directed to Palmerston, he said.
Recycling bags are available at Palmerston supermarkets, Warrens Garage and the Puketapu Radio shop in Palmerston.
