Bay of Islands rubbish barge back for summer

Boaties are being urged to use the popular Bay of Islands mobile summer rubbish barge which will be back on the water again from Wednesday, 27 December.

The manned barge is a joint venture between the Northland Regional Council, Far North District Council and the Department of Conservation, and contractors’ Waste Management and Moturoa Island Limited. 

The service starts on Wednesday 27 December followed by Friday 29 December, then weather-dependent provisional dates of January 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12,15, ending Friday 22 January 2018. The service may vary depending on demand. 

On days when it is available, the barge will initially visit campsites on Urupukapuka Island from about 9.30-10.30am before mooring close to the south-eastern end of Moturoa Island (the same position as last summer) from around 11.00am until 2.30pm or until it is full. 

A flat $6 fee per rubbish bag applies; please note this fee applies regardless of whether pre-paid or plain bags are used.  Recyclables are accepted, but again a fee also applies of between $2.00 - $5.00 per bag depending on the quantity. Dirty recycling may incur an extra charge. 

Shore-based facilities will be available at Opua, and recycling only at Rawhiti.