Riverbeds are not dumping grounds

Central compliance team leader Gillian Jenkins said it was a frustrating waste of Selwyn ratepayers’ money that could be put to better use elsewhere. 

“It’s really disappointing to see rubbish dumped in our rivers. We strongly encourage people to take it to a recycling point so it can be reused” she said. 

“The community values its rivers, and incidents like this threaten to undo all the hard work that the community in Selwyn is putting in to improving our catchment.” 

Selwyn Waihora Water Zone Committee Chair Matt Dodson said the river and riverbed are important public and recreational spaces, and it’s disheartening to see them being used as a rubbish dump. “The Waikirikiri/Selwyn is the heart of our region, and it’s so sad to see selfish people treating it this way.” 

Selwyn Waihora Zone Lead Gillian Jenkins said it was a frustrating waste of Selwyn ratepayers’ money that could be put to better use elsewhere.

How to report illegal dumping

Ms. Jenkins encourages people to contact Environment Canterbury if they see something suspicious. 

“The ratepayer should not have to bear the cost of this illegal activity,” she said. 

If you see suspicious activity or rubbish being dumped in a riverbed, please note the details of the vehicle and location, and report it to our Incident Reporting Line on 0800 765 588 or by using the Snap Send Solve app (for Apple or Android) or online reporting tool.