Latest news with #LitterAct1979
Scoop
5 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Hawke's Bay Council Look To Change Litter Act To Crackdown On Fly-Tipping
If a letter with your name on it is found in a pile of rubbish left on the roadside, be prepared for a visit from your local council. Proposed changes to the Litter Act would allow councils to ping fly-tippers long after they have fouled roadsides and private land and caused environmental harm. Large piles of dumped rubbish cost councils around Hawke's Bay thousands of dollars a year to dispose of. Hastings District councillor Wendy Schollum said as the law stood, even when a name and address were found, councils' hands are tied. "Even CCTV footage is not enough," Schollum said. "The dumper has to be caught in the act before we can do anything." That's almost impossible when the fly-tippers use isolated roads or the cover of dark to dump their trash. Schollum said councils were working under a law written in the 1970s, long before the explosion of fast food packaging and the rise in illegal dumping. Under the proposals to amend the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 (WMA) and Litter Act 1979 (the Litter Act), litter control officers would be able to issue fines using vehicle registration and ownership details inside rubbish bags to identify dumpers. Councils would also be able to recover clean-up costs from the offender if the dumped rubbish caused significant environmental harm. There would be tiered penalties based on the seriousness of the offence and compensation associated with the costs of removing litter. Schollum said she imagined the council would have a warning system for different degrees of littering. "We won't be turning up at your door waving a big stick. We will need reasonable evidence before taking any action. "Someone throwing rubbish out the car window will not be treated the same as repeat offenders who don't care that ratepayers have to pick up the bill for their actions." Schollum said Hastings had more than 5200km of roads, and many of the worst-hit areas were on NZTA-managed land where the council wasn't allowed to clean up. "What's more, roadside safety rules also block many community-led clean-ups. Which means rubbish builds up, public pride takes a hit, and ratepayers keep footing the bill for the limited clean-up we can legally do," she said. A spokesperson for the Ministry for the Environment said the government was progressing changes to make waste legislation more effective, clear and consistent. The changes would replace the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and the Litter Act 1979, aiming to reduce inefficiencies and clarify the roles of central and local government and the waste sector. "The proposals are based on building on and improving existing legislation, to ensure it is fit for purpose," the spokesperson said. Schollum said the proposed amendments were important. "This is exactly the kind of smart, enforceable change our communities need." Consultations on the proposals closed on 1 June. The ministry spokesperson said feedback from the consultation would help inform further policy work and the drafting process it would undertake with the Parliamentary Counsel Office.
Otago Daily Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Amendments discussed
Changes are coming for the way the country handles waste, but will the potential changes leave smaller councils in a tough spot? Central government is asking councils for feedback regarding proposed amendments to the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and the Litter Act 1979. These amendments would cover changes to the way the water levy is allocated to territorial authorities and what they can spend money on, clarification of roles, improved tools for compliance and other controls for littering and other waste. WasteNet Southland, a joint initiative between Southland District Council, Gore District Council and Invercargill City Council, compiled a list of submissions put forth to the Gore assets and infrastructure meeting last night. The submission was noted as generally supportive of the proposed amendments. However, it asked for a few changes — for example, an adjustment of the method of allocation in funds for the Waste Levy, to account for and reduce discrepancy between councils. Cr Hovell put his hand up in support, stating traditionally the 50% the government had taken, it had put back in to the waste sector. Discussion between councillors ensued. Cr Hovell explained the 50% was similar to recycling schemes, where businesses could apply for funds when applicable due to the minimisation of waste. Cr Hovell also mentioned the importance of a local voice being heard in Wellington, and said there was a distinct way Southland did things. "I think it's important to reinforce to government we do things slightly different here and that needs to be recognised," he said. Cr Fraser seconded this, and said it was important to be vocal despite being a minority compared to larger councils. "When you're fighting numbers, we need to be quite the best we can be," he said. Cr Phillips put a recommendation WasteNet speak to its submissions, which was seconded by Cr Fraser, and the call to approve the submission was carried unanimously.
Otago Daily Times
23-05-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Council urging residents to report illegal rubbish dumping
All residents and ratepayers are encouraged to report people engaged in illegal, disrespectful and costly fly-tipping. PHOTO: SUPPLIED The Clutha District Council is urging residents to take a stand against a growing problem of illegal rubbish dumping, or "fly-tipping", across the district. Fly-tipping, the unlawful disposal of waste on public or private property without consent, is a direct breach of the Litter Act 1979. The council has reported a concerning rise in both the number and volume of such incidents and is calling on the community to help identify offenders and curb this "disgraceful" behaviour. "This kind of behaviour is highly disappointing, disrespectful and will not be tolerated," a council spokesperson said. "It's a reproach to our district and an affront to the pride we take in our communities and environment." Those caught illegally dumping rubbish can face infringement notices or, in more serious or malicious cases, prosecution through the district court. A recent offender was fined $400 after being reported for dumping domestic and garden waste at several locations. Fly-tipping is not just an eyesore — it carries a significant financial burden. Clean-up operations, often requiring safety precautions, contractor involvement and traffic management, are funded by ratepayers and the council has stressed the cost is entirely avoidable and caused by a selfish few. The spokesperson pointed out the example set by the Enviroschools programme — schools engaged in active environmentalism where students take direct responsibility for roadside rubbish collections and community cleanups. "There is no excuse for this behaviour ... [It's] disgraceful that while our children are showing leadership in caring for their environment, others are undermining their efforts through laziness and thoughtlessness. "We are a modern, privileged community with well-established waste disposal systems ... We must act with integrity and preserve our clean, green spaces for future generations." Residents were encouraged to report fly-tipping through the Antenno app, the council website, email, or by calling the council. Reports should include as much detail as possible, including photos, videos, or vehicle licence plates, while ensuring personal safety. The council is committed to education and enforcement to drive positive change and is counting on community support to stop illegal dumping in its tracks.
Scoop
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Kiwis Invited To Have Their Say On Revised Waste Legislation
New Zealanders are invited to share their views on proposed changes to the country's key legislation regulating waste and litter. The proposals aim to modernise New Zealand's outdated waste legislation, providing more options to reduce and manage waste effectively. Glenn Wigley, Ministry for the Environment General Manager Waste and HSNO Policy, says updating the proposed legislation is one of the main priorities on the Government's recently released waste work programme. 'The new legislation will replace the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and Litter Act 1979, giving New Zealand the modern waste legislation our country needs.' Public consultation opened on 22 April inviting feedback on five proposals: creating a framework for extended producer responsibility, to ensure producers remain accountable for their products even after consumers have used them changes to how the waste levy is allocated to territorial authorities, and what they can spend the money on clarifying roles and responsibilities for central government, local government and the waste sector improving tools for compliance, monitoring, and enforcement enabling efficient and effective measures to control littering and other types of mismanaged waste. 'We want to know what New Zealanders think about the proposals, which are designed to make our waste legislation more effective, clear and consistent,' Mr Wigley says. 'We also want to understand the impacts on all parts of the waste sector, so we can make sure the legislation is workable and suits New Zealand's needs.' Consultation will run for six weeks until 11:59pm on Sunday, 1 June 2025. Feedback will help shape the final proposals for the legislative amendment. A consultation document and submission forms are available on the Ministry for the Environment's website: Have your say on proposed amendments to waste legislation - Ministry for the Environment - Citizen Space
