Illegal dumping and litter - frequently asked questions
Landfill fees
Before 2016 the Government helped some businesses by subsidising the cost of carbon credits meaning that landfill operators could keep the fees they pass on to users at lower levels. In 2016 operators were paying 67% of the cost per unit, in 2017 the subsidy decreased and operators were paying 83% and now the subsidy has been completely removed so operators must pay 100% of the cost of carbon credits. In addition, tougher environmental effects monitoring requires landfill and waste management operators to incur much higher costs than earlier years.
Illegal dumping
It is very difficult to try and stop illegal dumping because people just move the issue to another location. The issue really lies with people's behaviour.
The best successes have come from working alongside the community and implementing strategies that the community has suggested, for example in Mamaku, Council worked with the community and the school to create murals that were used to encourage people to do the right thing. There has been a reduction in illegal dumping in this community since then. Another community got together and organised a clean-up day and skips. Funding was sought through Council's Neighbourhood Matching Fund so there was no cost to the community and people could get rid of items that don't go in wheelie bins.
Council has supported 11 community clean ups since August 2018.
Things like removing scrub and trees from problem areas in parks is another way to deter illegal dumping.
Littering
Rotorua Lakes Council works with schools to teach tamariki about rubbish and recycling and how to look after the environment through sustainable practices.
Throughout the year there are a range of educational campaigns such as Plastic Free July and Sustainable Backyards month. We encourage the community to get involved and change their habits to reduce the waste they produce. Council also works closely with local community groups to organise clean ups, gain funding for projects and other initiatives to encourage change on a neighbourhood level.