Bags for lakeside residents
Bags are used in some lakeside areas because the terrain makes it difficult for Council's waste contractors (Smart Environmental) to service the area using wheelie bins. This includes areas with narrow or steep roads. Residents in these areas are entitled to 52 plastic council rubbish bags each rating year (1 July to 30 June).
More information on transfer stations in lakeside areas
Putting your bags out for collection
Please put your rubbish out by 7.30 am on collection day, Monday. Note that Good Friday and Christmas Day are the only public holidays that can change the day of your kerbside collection.
More information on kerbside collections
- Make sure that your bags are firmly tied. Wherever possible, place them away from other objects on the verge of the kerbside, away from cars, and not on the road. If the roadside is not suitable, call Council’s Customer Solutions team on 07 348 4199 for advice on the best place to leave your bag.
What can you put in the bags?
Your red bag is for general household rubbish that cannot be recycled. Please note that there are some things which cannot go into your rubbish bag. These include:
Explosives and flammable material (including gas bottles) | Hazardous waste |
Liquid chemicals | Household cleaners |
Dry chemicals | Automotive products (e.g. car, boat or truck batteries) |
Paints and solvents | Dead animals/pets |
Hot material (e.g. ashes) | Medical sharps |
These items need to be taken to landfill for suitable disposal – discuss with landfill staff.
Where do I collect more bags from?
A new letter will be sent to your property each year. The letter is valid for one year only and should be redeemed by 30 June. Please take this letter to any of the following locations:
- The Recycling Centre - 24 Te Ngae Road (Monday – Saturday: 7.30am - 4.30pm, Sunday: 9.30am - 4.30pm)
- Okere Falls Transfer Station - 15 Okere Road (Thursday – Sunday: 8.30am – 12pm)
- Tarawera Transfer Station - 1113 Tarawera Road (Thursday and Sunday: 1pm - 4.30pm)
- Mamaku Transfer station - 14 Kaponga Street (Wednesday and Saturday: 8.30am - 11.30am)
- Reporoa Transfer Station - Corner Birch and Massey Roads (Wednesday and Saturday: 1pm - 4.30pm)
Where can I buy more Council rubbish bags?
Additional bags can be purchased individually for $1.70 or in a bundle of 10 for $17.00. You can buy them from these places:
- Recycling Centre (24 Te Ngae Road, Rotorua)
- Landing Cafe, Tarawera (RD5 Lake Tarawera Road)
- Rotomā Roadhouse Store (178 State Highway 30, Rotomā)
- Ōkere Falls Transfer Station (during opening hours)
- Tarawera Transfer Station (during opening hours)
If you misplace your letter, bring a proof of address with photo ID to the Smart Environmental office at the Recycling Centre in town (on Te Ngae Road, during operating hours), and you'll be able to collect your bags from there.
Can I switch between bags and bins?
If you live in the lakeside area, you may be able to switch from bags to bins. We encourage this switch as bins are more environmentally friendly and are safer for our collections staff. Please make your choice carefully as residents who switch to bins cannot return to a bag service. If you decide you would like to switch to bins, please call the Council on 07 348 4199.
