Hazardous items being dumped in Hutt River
Friday, 19 August 2022
Asbestos has been found in hazardous material dumped in Te Awa Kairangi (Hutt River).
The growing fly tipping problem cost the regional council $113,826 in tip fees in the year to July.
The council is installing surveillance cameras along the river, and is considering introducing fines. Meanwhile, residents are being asked to report anyone they see dumping rubbish or hazardous items.
In April, Greater Wellington Regional Council river ranger Joby Mills said littering and rubbish along the river corridor was becoming a growing concern.
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“We’re finding that the very features that attract visitors – the bush-lined riverside – provides shelter and cover for dumping,” she said.
The Greater Wellington Environment Committee was briefed recently on the severity of fly tipping or illegal dumping in the river, and the associated costs.
As well as $113,826 in fees, a further $3,541 was spent during the same period on a bin and specialist removers had to be called in to remove asbestos.
The figures did not include the running cost of trucks and tractors or wages involved in collecting the waste, with the river ranger spending one day a week cleaning up.
A load of building waste taken from the river cost council $1000 in tip fees.
Mills said fly tipping was increasing and commercial dumping is now also common. He was being notified of people dumping rubbish at least three or four times a week.
“Every day, I’m patrolling and collecting waste like household rubbish, broken microwaves, stereos and toilets. Tyres and cars are regularly dumped in the river and I often find commercial waste such as building material.”
Environment Committee chairperson Penny Gaylor said a lack of respect for the natural environment was behind the problem.
“The river runs through a large urban area where some people consider the river their dumping ground rather than their neighbour.”
As well as the cost to ratepayers, fly tipping is harmful to the health of waterways, she said.
The council is looking at fines and other options to address illegal dumping. Officers would look at installing surveillance cameras as well as community education and awareness initiatives.
Councils throughout New Zealand are reporting an increase in fly tipping of hazardous waste. In September 2021 the Auckland City Council spent $100,000 cleaning up asbestos dumped illegally.
General manager Wayne O’Donnell said in the meantime, the community can help Greater Wellington clean up the river.
“Please report any fly tipping you see by noting details like vehicle descriptions and number plates. Take photos if you can do so safely,” he said.