Western Bay of Plenty District Council is introducing a whiteware disposal fee at all its recycling centres in Te Puke, Katikati and Athenree to cover the cost of disposal.

The fee will take effect from July 1 and is in two tiers.

It will cost $10 for large whiteware items, such as fridges, washing machines, driers and stoves. Smaller whiteware items, such as microwaves and benchtop ovens, will cost $5.

The cost for scrap metal is low and metal recyclers are struggling, says council utilities manager, Kelvin Hill.

'This means Council gets less return for the whiteware items. Many people are also removing the valuable parts from their whiteware and dropping off the remains – which we must dispose of at a cost.

'We are introducing the fee to drop off whiteware so we can cover the cost of disposal and prevent recycling centres from becoming a tip area for unwanted items of no value.”

The fees are in line with many other councils in New Zealand, says Kelvin.

'We understand charging a small fee may result in some individuals choosing to illegally dump their old whiteware, however, using the user-pays principle is fair to all – and is only to cover new additional costs that are arising.”

The reality is that the revenue received for scrap steel has significantly reduced, and some contractors are now discussing charging to pick up and transport scrap steel from our recycling centres, says Kelvin.

Again, many other councils in New Zealand use this same user-pays system.

Tauranga City Council does not charge for whiteware recycling.