Litter bugs and fly dumpers beware – the Thames-Coromandel District Council has had enough.

In an effort to crack down on fly tipping and littering the council is proposing changes to its Litter Policy which focuses on infringements and how best to enforce the policy.

Rubbish dumped in the Waiwawa River has left local residents fuming and the council to pick up the mess. Photo: File

Council says the current Litter Policy sets infringements based on volume in litres, which is difficult to measure in the field.

'The proposed changes are a more straightforward way to enforce the rules around littering,” it explains. 'These are based on what and where litter is found rather than how much of the litter there is.”

The proposed fines for littering infringements are either $100 or $400.

Depositing or leaving litter in a public place or in a private place without consent would incur a $100 fine, while depositing or leaving dangerous litter in a public place or private place without consent would incur $400.

‘Dangerous litter', as defined by the Litter Act 1979, is litter 'of such a nature as is likely to endanger any person or to cause physical injury or disease or infection to any person coming into contact with it”.

Examples of dangerous litter includes any bottle whether broken or not, glass or any articles containing glass, sharp or jagged material, or any substance of a toxic or poisonous nature.

A recent example of fly dumping on the Coromandel. Photo: File

Council says it will also be turning its attention to people who carry out fly dumping within the district.

'A new Rubbish Fly Dumping Enforcement Strategy is also being planned and we intend to take the following actions to act as a deterrent to intentional rubbish dumping in our district.

Those actions include:

• Significant rubbish dumping will be investigated with a view to prosecuting under the Litter Act 1979 or with fines available up to $20,000.
• Name and shame in the media anyone convicted through the courts.
• Instigate a "Dob in a Dumper" hotline either through our 24-hour call centre or online.
• Lift our "Clean and Green" profile and send a clear message that anyone identified littering or dumping rubbish in our district will face legal action.
• We've started initial work with Keep NZ Beautiful, NZTA and we are approaching DOC and surrounding District Councils to see if they want to partner in raising the profile against littering and illegal rubbish dumping.
• Provide additional monitoring of dumping sites by Compliance Officers.
• Work with our contractors and NZTA to ensure investigations are undertaken and sites cleaned.

'Specific problem areas are now being monitored,” adds council. 'Our compliance officers have identified several individuals associated with the rubbish dumping through evidence located within the rubbish and inquiries are continuing.”

Another recent example of fly dumping on the Coromandel. Photo: TCDC