Dumping rubbish? You are being watched

Gisborne District Council has started using hidden video cameras to combat illegal rubbish dumping. The cameras can identify people 300-400 meters away. They will be moved from site to site so that a range of problem areas can be targeted. Council staff will be monitoring the cameras. Anyone identified illegally dumping rubbish will be fined or prosecuted if the dumping is considered to be an environmental issue.

Regulatory services manager Sarwan Kumar said people were dumping trailer loads of rubbish, including tyres and green waste all over the district. “Sometimes it’s truckloads of stuff that is being picked up and sometimes it’s a few bags. It’s mostly household rubbish and green waste, but we are getting a lot of offal and carcasses at the moment.”

“It’s a huge problem. Council has now allocated staff to continually monitor problem areas to keep our beautiful district free from unsightly piles of rubbish. If the rubbish gets left there it encourages others to dump rubbish as well. All of the local beaches are affected. Some of the worst areas are just past the Olympic Pool and Centennial Marine Drive. The unfortunate bit about it is that ratepayers end up footing the clean up bill”, says Mr Kumar.

“If people see anyone dumping rubbish please dob them in. Ideally we need a license plate number, photos or any information that can help us track down offenders. Please contact council on ph:0800 650 800 24 hours a day. If you witness the dumping we encourage you to make sworn affidavit so Council can prosecute.”

People caught illegally dumping rubbish can expect a minimum fine of $300 under the litter bylaw.