VIDEO - Tipping point reached with illegal dumping

A large pile of household refuse illegally dumped at the Dalton Track carpark off Kerikeri Inlet Road last weekend has prompted dismay from neighbours and a reminder from the council that people caught illegally dumping rubbish and polluting the whenua will be fined hundreds of dollars.

Far North District Council has stepped up efforts to stop illegal rubbish dumping, also known as ‘fly tipping’, and is enforcing fines of up to $400 for individuals caught dumping rubbish and other household items.

Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board member and Kawakawa resident, Roddy Pihema, is asking people to honour their commitment to manaakitanga,by protecting the environment from dumped materials that can breakdown into toxic pollutants and clog waterways.

“I have personally talked to people known to have dumped rubbish illegally to give them the opportunity to clean up their mess. It comes down to personal responsibility,” he says.

The council manages the clean-up of fly-tipping daily, which comes at a considerable cost to ratepayers in sending contractors to clean up illegally dumped rubbish.

Much of what is dumped can be disposed of or recycled for free at council-run transfer stations. If people are unsure how to dispose of items like whiteware, car batteries and other household items, they can check the council website for this information.