People that continue to dump rubbish in our public places will get caught.

A man dumping bags on rubbish on a lookout just out of Gisborne was caught on camera last week. The man has been fined $400.

People of Tairawhiti have made it quite clear they are stick of seeing beautiful areas of the district polluted with piles of unsightly rubbish, says regulatory services manager, Sarwan Kumar.

“Council has made it quite clear that we are taking a proactive approach to address this ongoing problem. We now have hidden video cameras placed throughout the district and they are helping us catch people who are dumping rubbish illegally.”

“The cameras can identify people 300-400 meters away. The cameras are moved from site to site so that over time we can target all the problem areas. Council staff monitor the cameras and fine anyone identified.”

“It is hard to understand why people are doing this. In many cases the distance from home to the dumping spot is similar to the distance from home to AllBrites Transfer Station in Innes Street (Industrial Subdivision). In the most recent case, the rubbish dumped would have cost two rubbish stickers or $6; a lot cheaper than the $400 fine. Gisborne’s transfer station is open seven days a week so there are no excuses.”

Illegal dumping continues to be a huge problem that takes up a lot of resources. Community groups devote time to beach clean ups. Recently the Waikanae Stream clean-up group picked up rubbish from beside the stream before they could start their riparian planting.
“As well as the cameras, council has staff monitoring problem areas weekly or fortnightly and ensuring any piles of rubbish dumped, get picked up as quickly as possible,” says Mr Kumar. “If the rubbish gets left, it encourages others to dump rubbish as well.
“The rubbish gets sifted through looking for any evidence of where the rubbish came from. Any leads are followed up and where possible culprits fined.”
“If people see anyone dumping rubbish please dob them in. Ideally we need license plate photos or any information that can help us track down offenders. Please contact Council on 0800 650 800 24 hours a day. If you witness the dumping we encourage you to make sworn affidavit so Council can prosecute.”

People caught illegally dumping rubbish can expect a minimum fine of $300 under the Council's litter bylaw. If it is not paid within 28 days or the dumping is considered an environmental issue, the offender will be taken to court.

ENDS

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