By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter
Funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Council is calling on Aucklanders to report illegal dumping with hopes of cracking down on the problem.
With over 18,000 reports of illegal dumping every year, council is urging Aucklanders to continue the fight against illegal dumping.
Council operates a 24 hours a day, seven days a week phone line for the public to report illegal dumping and after a report is investigated, council can issue instant fines of up to $400.
Serious cases of illegal dumping may also result in offenders being prosecuted under the Litter Act 1979 with a maximum penalty of $30,000.
Tyres, mattresses and green waste are among some of the common items Aucklanders might spot illegally dumped in their neighbourhood.
With the high cost to the environment from illegal dumping, Senior Waste Advisor Jan Eckersley says Aucklanders need to be responsible with their waste and know how to dispose of it.
“People don’t seem to realise that not disposing of waste the right way causes all sorts of environmental issues – green waste kills plants and spreads weeds, food waste attracts vermin, and hazardous waste – oil, chemicals, batteries – contaminates the ground and pollutes the waterways,” Eckersley said.
“Residents should dispose of their unwanted items, green waste and household rubbish correctly – dumping it in parks, on berms, and down banks is not the right way.”
Eckersley urges Aucklanders planning a move to think of Community Recycling Centers that can take on fridges, furniture and household bric-a-brac in need of a new home.
“Our network of Community Recycling Centres is a good place to start, where unwanted household items in good condition can find a new home.”
Items that are not reusable or recyclable would need to be taken to a transfer station for disposal with added cost, Eckersley said.
Aucklanders can report illegal dumping to the council hotline at 0800 NODUMP.
