Dumped rubbish greets residents in Levin

Plastic bags as well as loose rubbish can be seen in this pile of dumped rubbish.

On Tuesday morning residents from Koputaroa and Paiaka roads just north of Levin were greeted by a large amount of rubbish strew on the berm in the corner of these roads.

Some of it was in small bags, some of it in large black rubbish bags, there were a few open bags and lots of loose rubbish, including plastics, bottles, bits of cardboard and cans as well as some electronic gear.

In the course of the morning someone put a few traffic cones around the stash to warn motorists of the hazard.

'Reports of dumped rubbish go to council's contractor, who looks at the material to identify the source.'

"Horowhenua District Council prohibits fly tipping (illegal dumping of rubbish on the roadside or in a reserve) to maintain a clean and tidy district, and to limit environmental impacts," said Andrew Grant, group manager infrastructure services.

Someone put traffic cones around the rubbish dumped on a rural road.

"Reports of dumped rubbish go to council's contractor, who looks at the material to identify the source. If the report submitted contains this information, council officers contact the person who dumped the rubbish."

Illegal dumping of rubbish or littering in public places, on roadsides and in parks and reserves, is an offence under the Litter Act 1979. Anyone doing this can be fined $400 on the spot, or if prosecuted up to $5000.

A council contractor collected the rubbish Tuesday afternoon and found letters with identifying information.

The person concerned will be contacted and possibly fined.