EnviroWaste scraps rubbish bag collection in Whanganui

Envirowaste has decided to stop collecting rubbish bags in Whanganui

The Whanganui District Council will look at re-establishing its own rubbish collection if needed following Envirowaste's decision to stop collecting rubbish bags in the city.

Envirowaste - one of two private companies which collect residential rubbish in Whanganui - no longer sells pink stickers for rubbish bag collection and will now only offer a wheelie-bin service.

Waste Management will continue selling yellow stickers and collecting rubbish bags for now but is also considering a similar move.

Council spokesman Stuart Hylton said Envirowaste's move away from rubbish bags would have a significant effect on some residents.

"While (council) has no role in providing waste collection services in the urban environment we remain concerned about the effect this change has on residents who place rubbish bags out for collection," he said.

Mayor Hamish McDouall said the council would continue to monitor the situation and it would consider "all short and long-term options for re-entry into the waste collection market if the situation necessitates" early next year.

Meanwhile, EnviroWaste's rubbish bags and other black rubbish bags with valid stickers will continue to be collected at the kerbside as long as they are in circulation.

Residents can continue to put out valid rubbish bags for collection or contact their rubbish collection company for other waste collection options.

The council will provide an update when more information is available.

Anyone with issues or queries regarding rubbish collection can contact EnviroWaste on 06 344 4201 or Waste Management on 06 348 8009.