8 February 2018

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Illegal rubbish dumping

Enquiry

The following questions were asked in relation to illegally dumped rubbish:

- What are the most commonly dumped items?

- What kinds of larger items have been collected?

- What has the change in reports of rubbish dumping been since the latest price rise at the dump?

Response

From Infrastructure General Manager Stavros Michael.

We want to encourage residents to look for alternatives to dumping like scrap metal yards, second hand stores if the items are still in good condition, or sharing trailers and the cost of taking it to landfill. Also consider asking a friend, neighbour or another member of your whānau if they have space in their wheelie bin.

Evidence indicates that landfill costs are not a key factor in most cases because the majority of illegally dumped rubbish is smaller items that could be placed in the recycling or general waste wheelie bins and don't need to be taken to landfill.

The most commonly dumped items are green waste and non-compliant rubbish bags like the black plastic bags you get in the supermarket. Larger items have included fridges, washing machines and other whiteware but the majority of illegally dumped rubbish is items that could go in wheelie bins.

Council arranges for the clean-up of approximately six tonnes of illegally dumped rubbish each month.

In general the trend of illegal dumping is relatively the same as a year ago with a slight rise but that could be attributed to a number of things including our growing population, increased tourism and increased consumerism.

Check Council's website www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/rubbish to see what is accepted at the recycling centre and landfill.