Kerbside recycling in the Wakatipu Basin is on track for an October start, with the recycling centre at Frankton well in hand and the delivery this week of the newly painted recycling truck, Queenstown Lakes District solid waste advisor Dr Linda Wright said.

"It is such a fantastic feeling to see it all come together. We will be kerbside recycling in the Wakatipu from October 22," Dr Wright said.

A kerbside recycling campaign would be rolled out this month, and next, in the run up to kerbside recycling in the Wakatipu.

The 140 litre recycling wheelie-bins would be delivered to households from October 1, with residents in rural areas and high density apartments receiving 60 litre recycling containers.

"The mechanised plant at the recycling centre means all recyclables can go straight in the bin at home after they've been washed and squashed, the machinery will sort the material at the centre," Dr Wright said.

Kerbside recycling was successfully introduced in Wanaka in 2005.

"By year's end our target is to divert 35% from the landfill, district-wide," she said. At present the Wakatipu was diverting 8.5%.

Residents would receive a fridge magnet and brochure with their recycling wheelie-bin explaining what could be recycled. "It's basically glass, which we will be using in our road construction, plastic containers 1 to 7, tins and aluminium, newspaper, paper and cardboard," Dr Wright said.

The recycling wheelie-bin would be supplied for free and the cost to each household, levied through rates, would be less than $3 per week. This would be applied to each household in the district as a waste management charge of $152 per annum.

The recycling centre would include a resale shop and drop off point for recyclables, batteries and used oil. To find out more, please click here.

"We will be taking the message to schools, clubs and organisations plus there will be information on display in the Queenstown council office foyer later this week and a dedicated radio, poster and newspaper campaign," Dr Wright said.

ENDS

For further information please contact Linda Wright 03 441 0499.

By: Tamah