Invercargill residents still cleaning up after October’s storm could drop green waste and clean scrap metal off for free this weekend, with a similar service on its way for Bluff.

The state of emergency through Southland was lifted last Friday, and the recovery process following last month’s gale-force winds had begun.

Invercargill City Council Manager Infrastructure Operations Matt Keil said damage throughout the community had been widespread, and the free disposal of green waste and scrap metal was needed as people began to return to life as normal.

The free green waste drop-off point, at 351 Bond St in Invercargill, would be open on Saturday 15 November between 8am and 6pm, and again on Sunday 16 November between 9am and 6pm.

The last entry time would be at 5.30pm each day, Keil said. Meanwhile, Bluff residents who had green waste or clean scrap metal to dispose of would be able to do so on Saturday 22 November.

Further details on the Bluff service would be made available next week, he said. “We really appreciate people’s patience while we made these arrangements. We know it’s been a huge clean-up job for many people, “ he said.

“This is all about making it a little easier for everyone to get back on their feet and clear their sections safely. Load it up, drop it off, and together we’ll keep the recovery rolling.”

Access for green waste drop-off in Invercargill would be available from the south end of Bond St, via the Bluff Highway/Clyde St. Light vehicles and residential trailers only would be accepted, and no entry would be available from the north end.

Meanwhile, residents could drop off clean scrap metal – including corrugated iron, clotheslines, or trampolines with no attachments – at several locations throughout the city.

On Saturday 15 November, the service would be available at Phoenix Recycling Group (9am – 4pm), Habitat for Humanity (8am – 6pm), ISM (8am – 10am, and 10.15am – 12pm).

The following day, clean scrap metal disposal would be available at Kiwi Skips (10am – 4pm) and Habitat for Humanity (9am – 6pm).

The free drop-off areas were separate from the Invercargill Transfer Station, where usual fees would apply, Keil said.