Councils get tough on illegal dumping
July 17, 2006

North Shore City and Rodney District Councils are working together to tackle the growing problem of illegal dumping of tyres.

Up to 1000 tyres have been dumped in the two cities over the past few months, most of them in public parks and reserves, causing damage to native flora.

The main culprits are known to council staff and police, who are seeking prosecutions.

North Shore City Council environmental protection team leader, Warwick Robertson, says dumping is an ongoing problem and occasionally occurs on a commercial scale, such as this.

The two councils have retrieved and disposed of the tyres, at significant cost, he says. Private investigators have been employed to help track the suspects.

Both councils are appealing to tyre retailers to help stamp out the problem.

“We’re urging these companies to use only reputable, recognised operators to dispose of their used tyres,” says Mr Robertson. “We’re also asking the public to report any suspicious activity.”

According to Rodney District spokesman, Mike Isle, tyre dumping in the district has reached almost epidemic proportions.

He says the recovery of dumped tyres represents a needless cost to ratepayers and the councils will be working closely with police to catch and prosecute the culprits.

“Obviously we can’t reveal the exact nature of all we are doing to apprehend tyre-dumpers, but a few people might soon get a few surprises,” says Mr Isle.

The Ministry for the Environment runs the voluntary Tyre Track collection system, launched in 2004, to ensure the proper and lawful disposal of used tyres. The programme links tyre dealers with transporters and registered end points, such as recyclers and sanitary landfills.

While recycling options are limited, there is a market for used tyres. Anybody wanting to get rid of individual or bulk supply of tyres should consult “Tyre Recyclers” in the Auckland Yellow Pages.

ENDS

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