'3-D' campaign makes an impact

Waitaki District Council solid waste officer, Gerry O’Neill, says the Council’s recent ‘Ditch Dirty Dumping’
campaign has increased the number of calls from the public with information about illegal dumping.

“The response to the campaign has been fantastic. Since it started, we’ve had more people calling us, and
as a result we’ve been able to successfully identify and fine five different offenders over the past month. I’d
really like to acknowledge and thank those people who have called us with information.”

Mr O’Neill said the campaign had informed people about the problem, and empowered those who were
angry and frustrated with illegal dumping to do something about it.

“Most people are sick of paying for the cleanup and don’t want to see our environment trashed in this way. I
think it’s important they know we will follow up their complaints and take action where we can. I’m hoping the
campaign has also educated those few who think it’s okay to dump rubbish illegally.”

The campaign had generated some debate and discussion around the issue, which Mr O’Neill believed was
a positive thing because it provided an opportunity to clarify some of the issues.

“We’ve had a few people try to justify illegal dumping by saying it’s a result of increased landfill fees. The fact
is a large portion of the material that’s being dumped illegally could have been recycled at no cost, resulting
in only a small fee for responsibly disposing of the rubbish.”

Mr O’Neill said the Council had a policy of ‘user pays’ for rubbish, and most people knew they could reduce
their costs by reducing waste and recycling.

“There are now huge costs involved with running and building landfills, and that is why we must charge
people for using them. Our view, and the view of much of the community, is that those people who produce
less waste and recycle as much as possible shouldn’t have to foot the bill for those who don’t make the
effort.”

He said the Council would continue with its hard line on illegal dumping, while at the same time finding ways
to help and encourage people to reduce their waste and save money.

“In the long term, I’d like to see illegal dumping stop altogether. As a result of the positive response to this
campaign, I’m more confident this can happen.”