Cr Cocks said yesterday he had not complained to the police about the threat, which had not been made directly to him but which he understood was made last week before the Wastebusters protest during the Wanakafest parade on Friday.
He was not sure yesterday whether the police knew about it.
Cr Cocks was publicly booed last Friday by protesters and criticised in banners.
He said yesterday he had had to develop a thick skin but hoped people would eventually come to terms with the cost-cutting decision.
When contacted after yesterday's QLDC meeting, Cr Cocks confirmed the petition would not change the tender decision or challenge the council's authority, as the lack of confidence had not been expressed by staff or councillors.
It was being treated as "informal feedback". Many points had been raised and there were misunderstandings that needed to be addressed, he said.
Cr Cocks was aware people were questioning whether he had a conflict of interest as chairman of the council's infrastructure and services committee that made last week's tender decision.
He was a founding director of Wanaka Wastebusters' associated company, Remarkable Recyclers Ltd, from September 2005 to November 2007.
Remarkable Recyclers Ltd was formed specifically to bid for the recycling contract because the council had not wanted to deal with a charitable society.
Cr Cocks said yesterday he was involved with Wanaka Wastebusters before he was elected to the council, after which his involvement ended.
Both he and Cr Jude Battson, who was also previously involved with Wastebusters, had signalled their potential conflict of interest during the tender process in May.
They had been advised enough time had elapsed for the conflicts not to exist, Cr Cocks said.
Wanaka councillor Leigh Overton yesterday spoke in support of Cr Cocks, saying he had confidence in him.
