Claris Landfill was nearing capacity, and the site was transitioned to the Aotea Transfer Station on 1 July 2022. All rubbish disposed of on Aotea / Great Barrier Island now has to be transported back to Auckland mainland for processing.

Gate fees at the Aotea Transfer Station encourage everyone to do all they can to recycle and divert rubbish from landfill, so we achieve our goal of zero waste to landfill by 2040.

Waste disposal costs on Aotea / Great Barrier Island have been heavily subsidised by Auckland Council. Gate fees for the disposal of some items at Aotea Transfer Station means that people are now paying a contribution towards the total cost of disposal, but Auckland Council is still partially subsidising waste disposal through regional rates.

For gate fees current as of 1 July 2025 please click here.

How do I dispose of my septic tank waste?

Septic tank waste continues to be accepted at the Aotea Transfer Station. A disposal fee per tank is charged at the Aotea Transfer Station to the septic tank collector.  Please contact your collector/service provider to find out what additional charges may be applicable for the disposal of your septic tank waste.

Can I drop off hazardous waste to the Aotea Transfer Station?

Yes, household hazardous waste is still accepted at Aotea Transfer Station. Household hazardous waste (up to 20-litres) is accepted free of charge. Commercial hazardous waste is not accepted at the Aotea Transfer Station.  If you need to dispose of hazardous waste from your business, or if you have more than 20-litres in volume, please contact Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 for advice on how best to dispose of it.

Official Auckland Council rubbish bags are accepted at the Aotea Transfer Station during opening hours for no additional charge. If you are leaving the island before the collection day in your area, you can drop off your official council bag/s to the transfer station, and separated recycling to the Community Recycling Centre. Waste may be dropped off to the transfer station in other bags at a cost of $10 per bag. 

For properties that are sea or foot access only and do not pay a waste charge, instead of using the drop-off points, you now need to purchase official Auckland Council orange plastic rubbish bags from the Aotea / Great Barrier Island Service Centre to dispose of your rubbish. In terms of collection, please contact the Aotea / Great Barrier Island Service Centre so that we can assess options and make suitable arrangements for your rubbish collection.

Alternatively, private collectors are permitted to offer collections. You can arrange a private waste collection service, at your cost.

Opening Hours

• Low Season (early February to late December):
• 9am to 4pm, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 
• 10am to 3pm on Saturdays 
• Peak Season (Monday 22 December 2025 to Saturday 31 January 2026 inclusive): 
• 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and
• 10am to 3pm on Saturdays
• Closed on Sundays, Mondays (low season only), Tuesdays (low season only) and public holidays.