An investigation is underway into the illegal dumping of industrial waste in Christchurch's residential red zone.
Photo: CERA
The Earthquake Recovery Authority, regional council Environment Canterbury and Christchurch City Council are jointly investigating a contractor thought to be dumping waste in the area.
Earthquake waste management project manager Carl Diamond said on Friday that new dumping sites are discovered each day, ranging from household rubbish to large loads of industrial waste.
Mr Diamond said dumping rubbish on any site is illegal and the cost of the clean-up has to be covered by taxpayers. Anyone caught is likely to face penalties.
People who see rubbish being dumped should try to note licence plates, company names, dates and times and report it to the authority or regional council, he said.