Zero Tolerance on Illegal Dumping

Council is getting tough on the few individuals who use our beautiful natural environment as a rubbish tip, discarding household waste, TVs, cars, even rotting animal carcasses beside rivers and streams.

Illegal dumping is ugly, a health hazard, and ratepayers foot the bill to clean it up – nearly $6000 a year for riversides alone. Disposal is also an unpleasant task for workers.The Council is taking a zero tolerance approach to illegal dumpers. Hotspots will be patrolled more often, and security cameras may be used.

The public are also asked to keep an eye out. Take a photo of offenders if possible, or note vehicle number plate details.

You can phone the Council’s environmental investigation and control team with any information in confidence on Ph. 03 543 8400. Illegal dumpers face a $400 fine under the Litter Act. Failure to pay may result in higher fines and court costs.

Those who dump toxic materials near a waterway can also be prosecuted under the Resource Management Act.

Council staff find illegal dumping particularly frustrating because many unwanted items can be recycled at no cost, for instance at the Richmond Resource Recovery Centre in Fittal Street (at the end of Beach Rd), Richmond, or through opshops.