Flower power fix for inner city rubbish

Photo / Supplied

Flower-covered trash bags will be given to businesses in an attempt to stamp out "rubbish crimes" in the inner city before the Rugby World Cup.

Illegal dumping and scrappy bags in the CBD have prompted the Auckland Council and the Heart of the City business association to launch a "Beautify the City" campaign.

The council and the association want a spotless, pedestrian-friendly central city, right down to the rubbish bags. The usual red bags will be replaced this week by others decorated with purple flowers.

Council rubbish workers said CBD restaurants were the worst offenders.

Spokeswoman Lindsey du Preez said cooking oil was poured down drains - causing blockages - and into tree pits, killing some trees.

She said businesses also put liquids in their rubbish and put out bags weighing more than 25kg, which burst on the street.

From Thursday, temporary flowerbeds will be placed in trouble spots.

"These will beautify the problem areas of the city and remind businesses and residents of the need to do their bit to keep the city clean," Heart of the City project manager Jane Stewart said.

High St, Vulcan Lane, O'Connell St and Fort St were identified as places where rubbish had stained the street and become an eyesore.

The flowerbeds will be brought out again at regular intervals in the next year in the hope that Auckland's streets will be spotless before the World Cup, when 60,000 tourists are expected.

The worst spots for poor rubbish disposal are in streets with the highest amount of foot traffic.

Inner-city businesses have a half-hour window in which to put their rubbish out, so that bags are on the street for the least amount of time possible.

Council compliance officers will be on the streets monitoring the campaign and issuing enforcement notices where necessary.

Worst rubbish spots in the CBD:

* 90 Queen St.

* Vulcan Lane and High St intersection.

* Freyberg Place.

* Khartoum Place.

* 10 Wellesley St.

* O'Connell St.

* Cnr of Gore & Fort Sts.