Illegal rubbish dumping
Rubbish dumping is an offence under the Litter Act 1979. Council officers can issue infringement notices, and offenders can be prosecuted and fined up to $5000.
How to report it
If you see illegal dumping or find dumped rubbish, report it:
- Contact the Council on 06 306 9611
- Report it via our website
- Use the Antenno app
- Email enquiries@swdc.govt.nz
Why illegal dumping is a serious issue
- Discarded waste can pose dangers to people, especially when it contains harmful materials such as glass, metal and hazardous matter.
- Cleaning up illegally dumped rubbish is expensive for councils and ratepayers.
- Abandoned waste can damage ecosystems; pollute waterways, harm wildlife and degrade soil and plant life.
- Dumping has a negative impact on the community and can lower the appeal of neighbourhoods.
The Council provides a range of public facilities for rubbish and recycling, including transfer and recycling stations and scheduled kerbside collections. These services are designed to make waste disposal easy, safe and environmentally sound.
Please dispose of waste legally, use designated facilities, and report any suspicious dumping activity.
Let’s keep South Wairarapa beautiful, together.
Related stories
2026
Illegal dumping a growing concern – new site discovered – SWDC
2025
Dumping ground discovered in Greytown – SWDC
Coastal dumping site cleared by Council at cost to ratepayers – SWDC
“Community and council need to hold illegal dumpers to account” – SWDC
Council clean-up of illegally dumped waste costs environment and ratepayers – SWDC
Illegal dumping on riverbed in South Featherston – SWDC
2024
Council takes steps to stop illegal rubbish dumping on coast – SWDC