For immediate release 5 July 2012

Illegal dumpers – help needed

Whakatāne District Council regulatory staff would like the community to help identify people who are illegally dumping rubbish at various sites around the District.

Council Manager Community Regulation Graeme Lewer says that while most residents dispose of their rubbish responsibly, there are always a few that spoil it for the rest.

“People might think they’re saving themselves some dollars by dumping illegally, but they’re putting that cost back on to all ratepayers, and degrading the natural environment. We need the public’s help to identify the individuals responsible so we can charge them for the cost of cleaning up their mess,” he says.

Mr Lewer suggests that anyone who sees illegal dumping occurring should record car registration details and any other information that may assist in identifying the wrongdoers.

While some illegal dumping sites have been littered with basic household rubbish, others have been the drop-off point for whiteware and electrical appliances. Mr Lewer says certain items can be donated to charity or even sold at a garage sale.

“The Community Resources Whakatāne (CReW) facility in Te Tahi Street is another option for getting rid of unwanted household items. The facility sells used items such as furniture and construction materials for reuse and repurposing.”

Council runs weekly kerbside rubbish and recycling collections and a fortnightly greenwaste collection service in the District. Mr Lewer says that while there is a charge associated with disposing of additional waste through Whakatāne’s transfer station, this only covers the cost of the responsible removal of waste from the District.

“We have a heap of resources available on our website (www.whakatane.govt.nz) and at our offices that will assist residents with tips on reducing residual waste, knowing what can be recycled and where different types of waste can be disposed of responsibly.”

ENDS

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