We’re lucky to live in Auckland. It’s a beautiful city. Unfortunately, though, some people let the ‘team’ down by dumping illegal waste. So, recently, we took part in a community clean-up.
On the 8th of September, around 150 volunteers, including MP Alfred Ngaro and members of the Henderson-Massey local board, gathered at Hart Domain in Henderson for a community clean-up. To help out, we supplied a Pink Bins 35-meter skip bin, which we placed in the West City Mall carpark. The volunteers scoured Hart Domain and the streets surrounding West City Mall and collected all kinds of junk: furniture, car tires, home appliances, to name a few.
Illegal dumping is NOT okay
Rubbish strewn throughout the community is not only an eye-sore, but it’s a health hazard, too. Coming up to summer, who wants to walk around barefoot with broken glass on the ground? No one. Also, when plastic bags and other nasties get into our waterways, the consequences for wildlife are often dire.
The penalties for illegal dumping
And, so you may ask, “Why some people think it’s okay to use the community as a dumping ground?” Good question! We guess there are several reasons: the cost of disposal, ignorance — laziness. And, the thing is, if you’re an illegal dumper, there’s a good chance you’ll get caught. In recent months, prosecutions of unlawful dumpers have doubled. Also, according to the Auckland Council website, you can get fined $100 for a first littering offense and another $400 if you offend again within 365 days. If you are a serious offender, the fine can be up to $30,000 — whoever dumped 28 steel drums in Waitākere Ranges last year better hope they don’t get found out.
There’s no need to break the law
We live in a consumer society. As a result, it’s easy to accumulate stuff that we eventually don’t want. Well, here’s the good news: There is no reason for you to dump your unwanted possessions in an empty field in the middle of the night.
Here are some far better options:
- Book an inorganic collection: There is one week every year allocated to every part of Auckland, and there is no charge.
- Donate: There are loads of organizations that will happily take your unwanted items. Lookup The Salvation Army, The Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity.
- Sell: Some people may be willing to pay for your unwanted belongings. Check out TradeMe or retailers like Cash Converters.
- Pay for removal: If you can’t wait for an inorganic collection, or your items are in no condition to give away or sell, you can hire a bin. And, if you use Pink Bins, some of your waste may be recycled. Yes, there is a cost involved, but bin hire is a far better option than risking a fine or harming the environment.
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