There seems to have been a bit of confusion around rubbish and recycling collection during the lockdown.

Rumours that there are no facilities open to handle our kerbside recycling are simply not true.

Auckland’s kerbside rubbish, recycling and food scrap collections are considered essential services and at this point in time will be continuing as usual. In order to keep providing this service, the council is following all Ministry of Health guidelines to ensure that public health is not compromised.

Northland waste has asked people to be mindful of workers when putting rubbish out. If you suspect you may have the virus or are feeling unwell, they ask you to double bag your rubbish, especially if it includes items like tissues or masks.  

• Tie the bag when it is about three-quarters full. 
• Place the plastic bag either into your pre-paid bag or wheelie bin. 
• Treat all cleaning waste in the same way. 
• After you have placed these materials inside your pre-paid bag or bin, you need to wait 72 hours before placing your pre-paid bag or bin on the kerbside for collection.

All businesses need to adopt the same policy, if they have staff members feeling unwell. 

Commercial bins (including recycling) should be placed outside for collection to avoid unnecessary social contact.

Concerned Rodney residents had taken to Facebook: “Please, please guys. Don't put your recycling out. The contents of the bin you put out this morning is going directly to the tip (landfill)!!! There are no facilities open to handle recycling.” However, their concerns are unwarranted.

Others, distressed upon hearing this news, added they were disappointed this announcement hadn't been made by the council. However, the reason this had not been announced was because it wasn't correct. Council member, Beth Houlbrooke, quickly set the record straight.

Although regular waste disposal services are still running, the Mahurangi Wastebuster services and facility at Snells Beach will be closed for the duration of the lockdown.