(File image) West and south Auckland have had the worst reports of illegal dumping in the region. Photo: Stuff / Emily Ford
Auckland's worst areas for fly tipping in the past year has been revealed, and it has predominantly been in south and West Auckland.
According to Auckland Council, 16,681 reports of illegal dumping were received between 2023 to 2024, and most were from the streets of Papatoetoe, Manurewa, Papakura and Henderson.
Papatoetoe had 1084 reports, Manurewa had 826, Papakura had 731 and Henderson with 529 reports.
Auckland Council general manager waste solutions Justine Haves said reports of illegal dumping did not necessarily mean they originated from there.
They have found some people habitually took their waste to other suburbs to illegally dump it.
"Large amounts of household and inorganic rubbish dumped down banks in bush areas across the Auckland region," Haves said.
Of the local board areas, Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board had the highest reports with 1670 callouts, followed by Henderson-Massey with 1558 reports and Manurewa with 1417.
Māngere-Ōtāhuhu had 1341 reports of illegal dumping.
Haves said altogether, they have collected 1895 tonnes of illegally dumped rubbish this year, which cost ratepayers $2.7 million to clear up.
(File image) Ratepayers are forking out millions for cleanups of illegal dumping. Photo: Stuff / Emily Ford
In 2021-2022, 1699 tonnes of dumped rubbish were collected.
"While amounts fluctuated year-on-year prior to 2020, since FY21/22 we have seen a steady increase in tonnes."
On the increase were dumping of construction materials, she said.
Haves said they were putting several measures in place to mitigate this.
"Including cameras where there is a high level of offending, so that we can catch the offenders in the act, as we can't fine or prosecute unless we have proof."
She said they were also ramping up communications with the construction industry about options for sorting their waste.
No one was prosecuted for illegal dumping this year, but 309 fines were issued.
Fines can go up to $400, depending on the size of the dumping. More serious offenders may be prosecuted under the Litter Act, with a maximum penalty of $30,000.
"There were no court prosecutions over this period. We balance the evidence and effort required for a prosecution against the size and frequency of the dumping.
"We encourage people to report any illegal dumping they see, so that we have a complete picture."
Reports of illegal rubbish can be made by calling 0800 nodump (0800 663 867).
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.