You wouldn’t believe the kinds of things being dumped around Auckland – we’re talking mattresses, fridges, cars, animal carcasses, even piles of marijuana stalks. It’s becoming a serious issue that’s not just ugly but costing all of us millions.

Every month, Auckland gets hit with more than 1300 illegal dumping reports – that’s about 40 cases a day. And it’s not just small stuff. Up to 500 mattresses are collected monthly, along with all sorts of hazardous and bulky waste.

Reg Walker, who manages contracts at Eco Maintenance, has seen it all:

“Sheep carcasses, boats with holes, half a car, a whole cow dumped on a beach… nothing surprises us anymore.”

The Auckland Council spent a whopping $2.7 million last year cleaning up this mess – and it’s only getting more expensive. Add in the cost of traffic management, special clean-up crews, and even abseilers for rubbish thrown down cliffs, and it’s no wonder ratepayers are feeling the hit.

 Here’s what’s being done:

• Surveillance cameras are being set up in hotspots

• Signs and stickers warn offenders

• Local clean-up groups in Māngere, Otāhuhu, Manurewa, and Ōtara are pitching in

• An iwi-led project in Māngere is helping prevent dumpers before they act

• The Tyrewise service now collects old tyres responsibly

 Despite all this, it’s still hard to catch people unless there’s solid evidence. But 375 fines were issued recently, adding up to $123,950 – a small step in the right direction.

Justine Haves from Auckland Council says education is key:

“We’ve invested in community campaigns to help people know where to take waste and when the inorganic collections happen. If people know the rules, they’re more likely to follow them.”

The message is simple: Dumping is not just illegal – it’s disrespectful to our whenua, our communities, and our wallets.

If you see someone dumping, don’t just walk away. Report it to Auckland Council at 0800 NO DUMP (0800 663 867). It’s free, anonymous, and open 24/7.