Fines to combat kerbside rubbish
Council rangers to fine people leaving household rubbish on footpaths without booking a garbage pick-up, following calls by Councillor Lynne Bockholt for action.
She said an education campaign was needed outlining Council services and policy on the four free pick-ups available each year to residents.
"We are experiencing an epidemic of large loads of rubbish being left all over the Peninsula," she said.
"Some remains on the footpaths for weeks at a time."
Cr Bockholt said there was a perception that residents could put their rubbish out first, ring up and have their rubbish collected the next day.
"You ring first, get a date set and then put your rubbish out just before the pickup," said Cr Bockholt.
Mayor Cr Chris Holstein said residents must contact the Councils waste contractor, Pacific Waste Management, to be advised of their next date of service before placing items out for collection.
Items may only be placed out for collection 48 hours before the day of service, and Council rangers have been instructed to issue on-the-spot fines for those who do not comply.
Restrictions also apply to the type of materials that will be collected.
Council's director of development and the environment, Mr John Murray, said fining would only be a last resort for residents who fail to comply with prior warnings and requests to remove the rubbish.
Cr Debra Wales said she has seen all types of rubbish including fridges with doors still attached.
Contact Pacific Waste Management on 4324 6133 for more details.
Carl Spears, March 9