TCDC will be preparing to award solid waste contracts in July 2022 after receiving tenders. The contracts will not begin until mid 2023, however, some elements of the contracts require a lead time of 12 months or more for the contractor to gear up with the equipment needed to begin the process, and the preparation and ROI (Registration of Interest) phase has already started.
WRRA would like to begin a discussion with our members about the format of these contracts.
- There are some key questions to be asked. Should the operation of Transfer Stations in the district be done by community groups, or a combination of community and council activities, instead of managed by private contractors?
- If the community wants to see a reduction in the volumes of solid waste going to landfill, and a corresponding reduction in the costs to ratepayers, should we be taking control of our own Transfer Stations and running them ourselves?
- There are many successful examples around New Zealand of community trusts having overall governance of Transfer Stations. Whilst these facilities are run efficiently and in a fully professional manner, the objectives are community and environmental benefits, and the profits go back to the community.
There is a natural affinity between the operation of a Resource Centre and a transfer station. The Seagull Centre in Thames, as well as many other similar facilities in other parts of New Zealand, have proven to be successful and profitable operations.
We are looking for feedback from our members on this topic and welcome your input.
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