Recycling option for five transfer stations

The Clutha District Council has agreed to provide a recycling option at the five transfer stations it temporarily closed earlier this year.

At its full Council meeting on 30 April 2026, Councillors received the Transfer Station Update report and approved a proposal to open the closed sites 24/7 with unmanned, yellow-lidded recycling bins for household recyclables.

The bins will accept paper, cardboard, plastics (grades 1, 2 and 5), and aluminium and tin cans.

The sites will not collect glass.

People will need to use the bins correctly and recycle only the accepted items.

Council will manage the trial under a three-strike system. If people misuse the sites by dumping rubbish or non-accepted items, Council will close them again.

Councillors said residents had contacted them after Council temporarily closed the transfer stations in Clinton, Lawrence, Milton, Owaka and Tapanui on 9 March, concerned there was no local recycling option.

Council staff say they valued feedback from rural residents and want to encourage recycling across the Clutha District.

To reduce contamination and misuse, Council will promote signage, public education and a three-strike enforcement approach.

The new recycling system will start on Monday, 1 June 2026.