We were delighted to support a community initiative for a Pop-up Recycling Centre on the Wharf this summer, putting the funds earned from ramp fees and berth sales to good use.

The Russell community has for a long time been frustrated at black trash sacks being dumped on the wharf, particularly from boaties, because there are very limited options for them to dispose of their rubbish, let alone for any recycling. Local community group Resilient Russell approached us with a plan to set up a manned pop-up rubbish and recycling centre for three weeks this summer to keep the wharf and waterfront tidy.

Although it was a “user pays” service, the cost of providing the manned service was nowhere near enough to cover the wages cost for the 3-week period,  so it was a team effort to make it all happen. Northland Waste provided the bins free of charge, while the Russell Wharf Trust and Far North Holdings contributed to the cost of manning the temporary centre. Council rubbish collectors took the trash sacks to the tips, while local business Hone’s Pizza Garden transported the bins to the Refuse Transfer station.

As a result, the wharf and waterfront were relatively litter free over summer.