Recycling in Rural Areas: the Pitfalls of Consultation

CASE STUDY Recycling in Rural Areas: the pitfalls of consultation

WHO Palmerston North City Council (PNCC)

AIM To extend council recycling services to rural properties

SUMMARY In 2012 PNCC undertook consultation on approximately 1,369 rural properties offering to extend the recycling service provided to urban residents. After surveying residents, it was intended to offer the service to 85% of rural properties. However, a backlash against the introduction has resulted in the Council deferring the extensions.

Evaluation criteria delivery Successful implementation of recycling to rural A letter was sent out to all ratepayers outlining the properties service being offered and the survey methodology. Ratepayers were asked to fill in the survey included Background Research: with the letter stating their preference and return to Council in the post-paid envelope supplied. The survey PNCC undertook consultation to 1,369 rural properties methodology outlined in the letter was that if 50% or offering to extend the recycling service. The more wanted the service in each area, then the service consultation was prompted by a number of factors, would be extended to all those surveyed in each area. the most recent being a boundary adjustment with Additionally, Council advised that a nil response to the Manawatu District Council (MDC) in July 2012. PNCC survey would be taken as supporting the service being is predominantly an urban city, with a few satellite introduced. Residents were given a four week period to towns, and some rural/rural residential properties. respond to the survey. Prior to consultation, the recycling service was available to urban Palmerston North, the small village Based on analysis of the survey responses it was of Ashhurst and some of the rural residential areas decided to extend the service to approximately 85% of located adjacent to or where recycling trucks travelled the properties surveyed. However, after Council had through to these serviced areas. The service offered advised that the service was being introduced several is a weekly collection of recycling alternating between calls were received stating that they did not want the a 240l wheelie bin for commingled recycling (except service. As a result, many ratepayers grouped together glass) and a 45l crate for glass collection. The funding and petitioned Council asking that their particular for this service is through a targeted rate. street or area be excluded from the recycling service. After receiving many petitions Council reviewed its Following the boundary adjustment with MDC in initial decision and has deferred extension to the July 2012, Council received several enquiries from rural/rural residential areas pending a review and is ratepayers asking if the recycling service would be only providing the extended service to Longburn and extended to their properties now that they were part Bunnythorpe. of PNCC. Council decided to survey properties in the boundary adjustment area (which included the two satellite towns of Longburn and Bunnythorpe), the rural/rural residential areas and additionally, some previously unserviced rural/rural residential areas within PNCC where Council felt that it would be appropriate to offer the service. CASE STUDY Recycling in Rural Areas: the pitfalls of consultation

information & promotion A letter was sent to all ratepayers advising them of the service offered, the costs and Council’s waste minimisation goals.

behaviour change tools used None

evaluation The reasons given by the ratepayers for not wanting the service being introduced can be broadly summed up as: • I don’t generate recycling and/or take care of my own recycling • Too expensive, I take it to the recycling drop off points for free • It’s dangerous to have wheelie bins on rural roads due to truck movements and wind.

conclusion Education and communication are key components in any consultation around recycling, with particular emphasis on the benefits to them and the wider community of recycling. It can be difficult to consult during an election year on matters such as these. Additionally, I would recommend any further consultation is undertaken through the annual plan or long term plan process for a large group.

Natasha Simmons Palmerston North City Council MORE INFO [email protected]