The way rubbish is collected in Auckland is set to change under a Council proposal in the 2022/23 budget. In future, householders will pay a rates charge regardless of whether or not they use the service or how often they put their rubbish out.

In rural areas such as Mahurangi, people who prefer bags instead of a bin will get a supply of bags for the year included in their waste charge.

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Council could not say what the charge would be, but this figure will be in the budget consultation documents.

Mayor Phil Goff says the budget puts a strong focus on tackling climate change, while responding to the immediate financial pressures faced by Council and continuing critical investment in strengthening Auckland’s infrastructure.

“We are already experiencing the impacts of climate change – 2021 was the hottest year in New Zealand since records began 110 years ago and we are seeing increasingly frequent extreme weather such as droughts and flooding,” he says.

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“Funding raised by the proposed Climate Action Targeted Rate will lay the foundation for the urgent action we need to take to avoid our children and grandchildren becoming the victims of a climate disaster. At a cost of around $1.10 a week for the median-value residential property, it will attract co-funding from government and is a critical investment in our kids’ futures.”

The rate will help fund low emission public transport and increase safe walking and cycling options to address transport emissions. Tree planting will also be funded to reduce the city’s vulnerability to extreme heat. Council estimates the rate will raise $1.045 billion over 10 years.