Bay of Islands rubbish barge back for summer

The popular mobile rubbish barge will be back on the water in the Bay of Islands this summer and authorities are once again urging boaties to use it.

The manned barge is a joint venture between the Northland Regional and Far North District Councils, the Department of Conservation and contractor Waste Management.

Beginning Monday 28 December, the barge will typically operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on a weather-dependent basis to allow boaties to drop off rubbish and recyclables. (The service will reduce towards the end of January as demand drops off.)

Those intending to use it are advised to listen to Russell Radio (VHF Channel 63) 

In a slight change from last year, on days when it is available, the barge will first visit campsites on Urupukapuka Island from 9.30-11am before mooring close to the south-eastern end of Moturua Island from around 11.30am until 2.30pm. (For those with longer memories who recall the older, unmanned barge facility, the position will be close to the position it traditionally occupied.)

A flat $5 fee per rubbish bag applies; please note this fee applies regardless of whether pre-paid or plain bags are used. Recyclables are accepted, but again a fee also applies and will depend on the quantity involved.

Meanwhile, the Far North District Council (again in conjunction with Waste Management) will provide a separate, shore-based seasonal refuse/recycling service in the Bay of Islands from Saturday 26 December.

Shore based facilities will be available at:

• Opua; by the Port Opua fuel jetty, and will open 7am-6pm until Sunday 24 January
• Rawhiti; Te Tawa Hill, north end of Kaingahoa Bay, and will open 1pm-5pm until Saturday 30 January.