Bay of Islands rubbish barge back for summer

Boaties are being urged to use the popular Bay of Islands mobile summer rubbish barge which will be back on the water again from the end of this month.

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

It will start operating on Tuesday 27th December, followed by Thursday 29 and Friday 30 December.

From then on, it 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)  for information.

On days when it is available, the barge will initially visit campsites on Urupukapuka Island from 9.30-11am before mooring close to the south-eastern end of Moturua Island (the same position as last summer) from around 11.30am until 2.30pm.

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 later this month.

Shore-based facilities will be available at:

• Rawhiti; Te Tawa Hill, north end of Kaingahoa Bay, and will open 10am-5pm from Sunday 18 December until Tuesday 31 January.  (From Wednesday 01 February to Tuesday 28 February the Rawhiti facility will operate on reduced hours from 1pm-5pm.)
• Opua; by the Port Opua fuel jetty from Monday 26 December.  This will open 7am-6pm until Tuesday 24 January