An empty section in an east Auckland street is being treated like a rubbish tip.
A resident notified Auckland Council about the mess in an online report.
The Times is not identifying the street so it isn’t targeted by more illegal rubbish dumpers but it’s in a new part of Flat Bush where houses are under construction.
The council looked into the report and found the site is privately-owned property. It says it’s the owner’s responsibility to remove the rubbish.
The resident replied to the council to say the response and message regarding the illegal dumping is “concerning, misleading and incorrect”.
“Saying Auckland Council has no responsibility for addressing illegal dumping on private property contradicts the Litter Act 1979, Resource Management Act 1991, and your council’s waste management bylaws.
“These clearly outline requirements against illegal dumping waste management and consent requirements, regardless of location.
“This response is not only disappointing but fuels the problem. Imagine the chaos if residents believed this to be acceptable practice.”
The resident says the “overflowing waste” on the footpath in the street is a “health hazard and a dangerous environment for homeowners, kids and the environment”.
She wants the council to take a more proactive stance to the problem including quick investigation of rubbish dumping with the land owner removing it immediately, regular monitoring of private land where illegal dumping has been identified, retraining of key council staff on its roles and responsibilities around illegal dumping on private properties and footpaths, and a revised plan and programme to deal with illegal dumping.
Council general manager waste solutions Justine Haves says it understands the community’s frustrations with people treating their neighbourhood as a rubbish dump.
“We’re aware of unfenced, empty sites being used as places to dump rubbish and we’re working with property owners in Flat Bush to help prevent dumping and identify offenders.
“We’d like to remind everyone we are all responsible for our own rubbish.”
Haves says there are no free public or private dumping places because rubbish must be taken to privately owned landfill sites which charge for disposal.
“Property owners are responsible for taking measures to secure their sites against dumping such as fencing, signage and cameras.
“The owner of the property is responsible for the disposal of rubbish dumped on their property.
“However, if they find evidence in the rubbish or have camera footage identifying the offender then council can investigate on behalf of the property owner.
“We’re aware of ongoing illegal dumping on empty sites and developments, particularly in Flat Bush, and have been working with property owners to help prevent dumping and identify offenders.
“Council has put up cameras in some areas to identify offenders and has received reports from witnesses. As a result, fines have been issued to offenders.”
People caught illegally dumping rubbish will be ordered to remove it and can be fined up to $400. Serious offenders may also be prosecuted with a maximum penalty of $30,000.
