Inorganic Waste Mountain "Shameful"

September 17, 2002

North Shore City councillor Joel Cayford has described the actions of rubbish dumpers as "shameful" after a 30 metre-long, one metre-high inorganic waste mountain appeared on Sunset Rd, Sunnynook over the weekend.

"It appears people saw some rubbish waiting to be collected and decided it was a convenient place to dump their own inorganic waste - and it just kept coming until the entire road frontage was barely passable," says the city's works and environment committee chairperson.

Estimated at close to 18 tonnes of waste, Councillor Cayford says the problem was compounded by others rummaging through the pile spreading rubbish over the road and vehicle crossings.

"Not only is it unsightly for residents and passers-by, it is also potentially a huge health and safety problem. This is a disappointing way to start Clean Up New Zealand Week," he says.

Council workers, who were at the site until 10 last night (September 16) to clear access ways and prevent further dumping, have been removing the waste as quickly as possible and expect to have the rubbish cleared by lunchtime today.

North Shore City's waste prevention officer, Danielle Kennedy, acknowledges that council contractors were a day behind schedule in collecting inorganic waste in the area, and says she is disappointed a few people took advantage of the situation to the disadvantage of others.

"Yes, this incident shows how important it is for collections to be on time and, notwithstanding events beyond our control, we try to keep everything to schedule, but the public does need to take some responsibility for their actions.

"I'm sure the people responsible wouldn't like it if the rubbish was dumped on their doorstep," Mrs Kennedy says.

The council's waste minimisation team spent hours at the site yesterday sifting through the rubbish in the hope of finding evidence that may lead to infringement notices being served on those responsible.

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