The return of recycling was a contentious issue during the Gore District Council’s long-term plan discussions, with the room split and Mayor Ben Bell casting the deciding vote.
At a council meeting last week, the decision was finalised and a date set — the week of November 3.
Options for glass recycling included a proposal for a separate glass service based in Southland and sending co-mingled materials — for example, glass mixed with cardboard — to Christchurch, but both were deemed financially unviable.
A staff report to council says Recycle South, at present the only recycling contractor south of Christchurch that can sort co-mingled recycling, has agreed to a short-term contract.
A council spokesperson said the contract would be reviewed in 2027 when new Southland waste contracts were due to begin.
Cr Neville Phillips asked about green waste, saying he had heard nothing on the issue and that people deserved to know.
Critical Services general manager Jason Domigan said the plan was to keep it the same — the door would be left open for other changes in the next long-term plan consultation, but it was important to keep it simple and get the kerbside service going first.
"We want to get that up and running without complicating things around green waste changes at the same time."
Introducing co-mingled recycling was first and it would work from there, Mr Domigan said.
The Pakeke Lions, who operated a small recycling plant at Gore, would retain their grant to work with local industry recycling of cardboard and other products, and residents could also recycle with it if they wanted.
Regarding the new council service, red (waste) and yellow (recycling) bins will be collected on alternate weeks.
The council would provide more communication closer to the time, the spokesperson said.
Key points
• Return to full recycling by the end of this year.
• A co-mingled (including glass) model until new Southland Waste contracts are in place in 2027.
