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      19 July 2023 
Official information request 8140012184 
 (Please quote this in any correspondence) 
 
 
Jimmy King 
By email: [FYI request #23326 email] 
 
 
Tēnā koe Jimmy 
 
 
Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 
Re: Food scrap bins 
 
Thank you for your email dated June 29, 2023, in which you requested information about Food 
scrap bins. The specific details of your request and our response are below. 
 
How much did it cost to have the food scrap bins made and where were they made?  
 
The cost of making the food scrap bins has been withheld under s7(2)(h) of the Local 
Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, to enable any local authority holding 
the information to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities. They are 
made in Australia. 
 
What other designs were there that weren't chosen?  
 
This information  has been withheld under s7(2)(h) of the Local Government Official 
Information and Meetings Act 1987, to enable any local authority holding the information to 
carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities. 
 
How much did it cost to have the new trucks for collecting the bins?  
 
The collection services are contracted out to private providers. The council does not have any 
information on the cost of individual trucks. 
 
How much will it cost per year to operate this food scrap bin scheme?  
 
The cost for a full year of operation is dependent on the volume of food scraps collected. At 
this stage, we estimate that cost to be in the range of $23 to $28 mil ion per annum. 
 
How much does it cost to replace a food scrap bin if damaged or lost?  
 
This information has been withheld under s7(2)(h) of the Local Government Official 
Information and Meetings Act 1987, to enable any local authority holding the information to 
carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities. 
 
Where are the food scraps being taken to when collected?  
Private Bag 92300, Auckland 1142  |  aucklandcouncil.govt.nz  |  Ph 09 301 0101 

 
The food scraps are taken to the EcoGas processing facility in Reporoa 
(https://www.ecogas.co.nz/) in backhaul trucks that were travelling empty to that area. The 
food scraps wil  be converted into Biogas and fertiliser through a process cal ed anaerobic 
digestion.  
 
Why was it decided that this wasn't optional and instead made compulsory? 
Specifically, why can't we decide not to have the bins if we don't want them and have 
the $70 on our rates removed? 
 
The introduction of a targeted rate was approved by the Governing Body through the Long-
term Plan 2018-2028 decision-making process on 31 May 2018 (Resolution GB/2018/91). The 
Governing Body endorsed the provision of the service to all urban households (not to the rural 
households), with no provision for opt-outs. The service contributes to the public good, 
providing a benefit to the city by reducing the amount of waste going to landfil . 
 
How much does it cost for each bin to be made?  
 
This information has been withheld under s7(2)(h) of the Local Government Official 
Information and Meetings Act 1987, to enable any local authority holding the information to 
carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities. 
 
Why is the actual food scrap bin a small white bin instead of having the black & green 
bin as the scrap bin? 
 
The small white bin is a kitchen caddy for use in the kitchen. You can put food scraps in the 
caddy, and then transfer them to the larger green bin. The green bin is the bin that you put out 
on the kerbside for collection.   
 
Why were the specific trucks chosen for food scrap bins? 
 
Each collection contractor makes their own decision about which truck to use for the food 
scrap service. 
 
You can find more information on the food scrap collection on the council’s website here. 
 
Decisions relating to the information that is being released to you were made by Parul Sood, 
General Manager – Waste Solutions.                                                                                                               
 
You have the right to complain to the Ombudsman if you believe we have not responded 
appropriately to your request. Information about how to make a complaint is available at 
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602. 
 
If you have any further queries, please contact me on 09 301 0101 quoting official information 
request number 8140012184. 
 
Ngā mihi  
 
Amanda Pil ay 
Privacy and Official Information Business Partner 
Governance Services 
Private Bag 92300, Auckland 1142  |  aucklandcouncil.govt.nz  |  Ph 09 301 0101