Illegal dumping and litter
Illegal dumping
Illegal dumping, litter on a larger scale, is always a concern. It’s harmful to the environment, our personal and collective wellbeing and the reputation of our city.
Most instances of illegal dumping on public land in the Rotorua district, are removed within 24 hours of Council being notified about the site.
Illegal dumping and littering are governed by the Litter Act 1979 and councils can either issue an infringement or file charges. This decision would be made in accordance with the type and severity of the littering/dumping.
What you can do to help
- Encourage your friends and family to do the right thing. Not only does illegal dumping cost the community a lot of money, it also has a major impact on the environment.
- Take your rubbish home with you. This will help stop public bins from overflowing in popular areas. And if bins are already overflowing, don't add to the pile, take the rubbish home and dispose of it in your wheelie bins. Contact Council and let us know the bin needs to be emptied.
- Report any dumped rubbish to Council at info@rotorualc.nz or 07 348 4199, as soon as possible so contractors can remove it before people add to it.
- If you witness illegal dumping, do not approach the offenders but take notes and photos or videos of the person and their vehicle. This can help with identification and prosecution.
- When reporting rubbish, it is very helpful if you supply photos that have a location tag. This can be done by turning on your location services on your smart device before taking the photo. This enables contractors to go straight to the dumping site rather than spending time searching for the rubbish.
We keep this information confidential and use it in court only with your permission.
Illegal dumping and litter FAQ
View our frequently asked questions on illegal dumping, litter and landfill fees