Some information about garbage collection in Raiatea from Olivier, the AVP representative:

All common garbage bins on the island are now under lock and key. The authority managing garbage collection (ComCom) has decided to increase significantly it’s price to professional (shops, garages, shipyards, …), and link the price to the volume of garbage. As a result all professionals have locked up their garbage cans.

Private garbage cans are only visible on the day of collection, and are not for common use.

No more garbage cans in town anywhere.

A memo was issued by the president of the ComCom warning that passing yachts are not to deposit any garbage anywhere, but must come to PK 14 West (near Tumaraa) to pay a 9000 francs fee prior to being allowed to deposit garbage. Any wild deposit will lead to a 4000+ francs fee.

This of course does not mean that garbage will disappear, and cannot be accepted by the sailing community. As a result, attempts are underway to find solutions. The first initiative comes from the “residents” on anchor in front of the shipyards (carenage), which have agreed to pay jointly for a large bin to collect garbage. This is primarily for the boats on anchor there, and as a priority for those who have contributed.

However, passing boats are allowed to drop their garbage if there is room in the bin, AND (and this is most important), the garbage must be separated from the recycle (glass, plastic bottles, metal cans), which must go into the recycle bins available throughout the island. Any garbage bag that is not properly segregated leads to a 14 000 fine, and obviously the resident yachts will not want to foot that as well.

More initiatives are under review, possibly with financing coming from the AVP (one bin is under consideration next to the Shell station), but again, this will only work with proper discipline from the users. I’ll revert on that

Boats taking a mooring or a berth at Apooiti marina will have access to the marina bins (which are now also under lock and key). Passing boats are requested not to drop any garbage at the marina.

The risk, of course, is that these drastic measures will lead to wild garbage disposal. This would in turn again put our community under the wrong light, and a more perennial solution must be found.

On a more positive side: Old oil and batteries can be dropped at PK14 West at the ComCom at no cost. Just inform the staff at the ground level office. Professionnals do not enjoy this “privilege”…

More to come as it becomes available.
Olivier
SY Mary Ann