Weighbridge FAQs

The weighbridge was installed in June 2024. The weighbridge cost $240,000, with 92 per cent funded by the Ministry for the Environment.

From Monday 9 December 2024, users will be charged for disposing waste based on weight rather than vehicle size, which could be unfair (e.g. larger vehicles were charged more even if they carried only a small load). The weighbridge provides a fairer, more accurate way to charge for waste.

The weighbridge measures the weight of vehicles on entering the transfer station and then again on exiting the transfer station, once the waste load has been disposed of. The difference between the recorded entry weight and exit weight determines the charge a customer will pay for disposing of their waste.

Some customers may need time to adjust to the weigh-in process and variable pricing. There may also be slight delays initially as customers become familiar with the new weight-based waste disposal system, but our team and signage will help guide you.

The weighbridge is certified annually by specialist contractors, per New Zealand regulations.

Around 90 customers visit our two transfer stations each day, approximately 85 at Waipukurau and 6 at Pōrangahau.

No. Those stations closed due to economic reasons.

From 9 December 2024, the weighbridge will measure the weight of vehicles entering the transfer station and then again on exiting the transfer station, once the customer has disposed of their waste load. The difference in the two recorded weights will determine the price charged for the waste disposed.

New charges:
General waste disposal: $0.39 per kilogram (incl. GST), with a minimum fee charged of $12
Green waste disposal: $0.14 per kilogram (incl. GST), with a minimum fee charged of $8

The minimum charge covers weighbridge maintenance and system costs. Our weighbridge measures in 20 kilogram increments, so a small load may still register as 20 kilogram.

The change of pricing from disposing of waste based on its volume to the actual weight of waste aligns with our 2024-2047 Three-Year Plan and is supported by appropriate systems.

There are many benefits to customers and Council for moving to a weight-based weight disposal pricing system, including:

• the weighbridge ensures a simpler and fairer method of charging for waste disposal.
• there is less confusion around the charges for disposing waste.
• there will no longer be any surcharges for any items, such as whiteware and televisions, as the weight of these items will pay for the additional costs it takes to process these items.
• the size of a vehicle used to dispose waste will no longer impact the price a customer is charge, i.e. a customer is no longer penalised for using the most appropriate vehicle (often a largen vehicle) to transport their waste.  
• customers get direct feedback on how much waste they are throwing away and are incentivised to explore options to reduce their waste.       
• providing us with more accurate data and information about how much waste the district is producing, and thereby helping us make better decisions in regards to waste management in the future.

Our fees are competitive. We have provided a comparison below so that you can see how our fees compare to nearby councils:

Costs depend on the type and the weight (amount) of the waste you throw away.

On average, 60 percent of current customers will pay less than what they paid under the volume-based waste disposal system and 40 per cent of customers will pay more.

For example:

A typical car boot load (around 40 kg) costs $12 (minimum charge) to dispose of under the weight-based pricing system, while a medium-sized trailer load of building waste (160–360 kg) costs between $62–$140.

There is no charge for disposing of only Council pre-paid rubbish bags.

If you are disposing of other waste at the same time, you’ll get a $3.60 discount per bag, subject to the minimum charge; i.e. if the total cost after discounting the Council pre-paid rubbish bags is less than the minimum charge, you will pay the minimum charge.

You can choose to weigh each type of waste separately or pay the general waste disposal rate for all. Another option is to bring general waste in pre-paid bags and receive a discounted rate.

Check out our tips for reducing waste and saving on disposal fees.