Household objects, furniture and rubbish bags are the most commonly illegally dumped items in Tauranga, according to Tauranga City Council.

Between December 1, 2024 and January 8, 2025, council’s illegal dumping contractor responded to 287 instances of illegal dumping on council land.

Of these, 189 were proactively collected by the council contractor while carrying out other jobs and 98 were reported to the council by the community, said waste operations and compliance team leader Hope Lawsen.

“The majority of our community does a fantastic job of recycling and using our kerbside collection services correctly, and we want to thank our residents who regularly do the right thing.”

In the lead up to the recent Tauranga Moana bomb competition at the Tauranga Waterfront, items such as trolleys, e-scooters and other debris were found and removed. Photo / Tauranga City Council

Lawsen said that within the past six months, the council bylaws team has received 66 complaints of illegal dumping.

“We also get reports of animal carcasses being illegally dumped in our stormwater network from time to time, which are removed by our maintenance contractors.”

In the lead up to the recent Tauranga Moana bomb competition at the Tauranga Waterfront, items such as trolleys, e-scooters and other debris were found and removed from the harbour.

Illegal dumping pollutes the environment, becoming a danger to wildlife who live in the area, said Lawson.

“When waste is dumped illegally, it can pollute natural areas such as parks and beaches and lead to pest and weed outbreaks which are problematic to native plants and wildlife.”

An illegally dumped piano and other rubbish found by Tauranga City Council. Photo / Tauranga City Council

She said illegal dumping in public spaces is not only unsightly, but it can pose a risk to human health and community wellbeing.

“Cleaning up illegal dumping requires time, money, and resources, ultimately placing a preventable financial burden on Tauranga ratepayers.”

Tauranga City Council takes illegal dumping reports seriously and will organise clean up once a report is received.

“If evidence is available showing who dumped the items, our bylaws team will investigate with the aim of having the material removed and either educating those involved or issuing them with a fine.”

How to report illegal dumping

The Tauranga community is the eyes and ears for the city council, said Lawson.

“We ask people to report illegal dumping to us so we know where and when it’s happening and can respond.”

People can report illegal dumping by calling the Tauranga City Council Contact Centre, which is available 24/7 on 07 577 7000 or they can email them at info@tauranga.govt.nz.

“It’s also quick and easy to report illegal dumping using our Kerbside Collections App.

“Using the Antenno App is another easy way for people to connect with us.”

In the past six months, the Tauranga City Council bylaws team received 66 complaints of illegal dumping. Photo / Tauranga City Council

When the council receives a notification of illegal dumping on council land, it logs a job through its online portal which sends a request through to the council contractors to action.

Lawsen said illegal dumping is typically cleaned within 48 hours. If rubbish is a risk to public safety, it will call its contractor directly to action as an urgent job.

The summer season can see households generating more rubbish than usual. Some items won’t fit in residents' kerbside collection bins and will need to be taken to the Te Maunga Transfer Station.

There’s no cost for dropping off recycling, glass, electronic waste, tyres and most whiteware.

There is a cost for all other types of waste including general rubbish, garden waste, fridges/freezers, wood, clean-fill, concrete and hazardous waste.

Smaller volumes of household rubbish can be taken to Te Maunga Transfer Station for $5.50 each (up to four bags only with a max weight of 10kg per bag).

Most charity stores offer a pick-up service for larger items such as furniture and whiteware that can be resold.

If items are in poor condition, residents may wish to arrange a skip bin for collection or trailer to take their waste to Te Maunga Transfer Station.