Media release
20 May 2013

$7,500 fines for illegal dumping

A man found guilty of a series of illegal dumping in Waitakere has been fined $7,500 plus costs by the court.

Warren Heywood was convicted in the Waitakere District Court on Thursday 16 May for three instances of illegal dumping, and fined $2,500 for each, along with reparation and court costs of $668.64.

Auckland Council’s solid waste team brought the criminal prosecution after discovering illegal dumping at multiple sites in Massey and Swanson in July, August and October last year.

The Massey offences involved around 2 cubic metres of household waste such as tyres and paint. In Swanson, the illegal dumping involved approximately one cubic metre of residential renovation material. One cubic metre is the equivalent of four Auckland Council 240 litre bins.

Enforcement officers presented evidence showing that the defendant had advertised for customers, who paid him to collect and dispose of their rubbish. That rubbish was then dumped illegally.

Auckland Council Infrastructure and Environmental Services Manager, John Dragicevich, welcomes the court’s decisions, which are in keeping with the seriousness of the crimes.

“Cleaning up littering and illegal dumping costs ratepayers about $900,000 every year. These particular offences are at the serious end of the illegal dumping spectrum. The defendant deserves to be held accountable for his actions.

“Full credit is given to the witnesses who worked with us, and to our officers and the council’s legal team, who worked hard on their investigations to ensure the success of the prosecution.”

The council encourages residents to report cases of littering and illegal dumping.

Households and businesses wanting to dispose of waste such as tyres, paint and construction materials can take their items to the Waitakere Refuse and Recycling Transfer Station. Some household materials are free to drop off, while others incur a charge. To find out more call 09 301 0101.

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