Council takes hard line on dumped garden waste

The protection of important conservation areas and Nelson’s parks and reserves is behind Council taking a tougher line against anyone who dumps garden or other waste.

Dumping a ute load of weeds and garden rubbish in the Maitai Valley proved an expensive exercise for a local man after witnesses reported the incident recently.

Manager Parks and Facilities Paul McArthur says it was not difficult to track the offender, who admitted the offence, which can carry up to a $5000 fine if taken through the court system.

“In this case the garden waste dumped included noxious weeds. They would have established in a native vegetation restoration area, jeopardised the programme and spread into other areas” he says. People may be unaware that there are a number of common urban weeds that can wreak havoc with New Zealand’s native bush.

Under the Litter Act 1979, Council can issue a maximum $400 instant infringement fee instead of pursuing the matter through the Courts. In the Maitai Valley incident, the person responsible for the dumping was issued with an infringement fee and also charged Council’s costs for the removal and disposal of the garden waste.

“We take a serious view of these offences and are sending a message. Our parks and reserves belong to the whole community and we all have a responsibility to look after them” Paul McArthur says. “Council provides a dumping facility at the Pascoe Street Transfer station, which is a lot cheaper than a fine.”