• Solid, liquid, gas or energy
• Organic (of plant or animal origin) or inorganic
• Hazardous (such as waste chemicals) or non-hazardous
• From household, industrial, commercial or rural sources

• Because the earth’s resources are limited
• Because waste disposal can damage the health of the environment, people’s wellbeing and cultural values
• Because it costs money to dispose of waste and to obtain new materials and energy for our use

District councils are responsible under the Local Government Act for making sure that waste collection, recycling and disposal services are available to people and businesses in their districts. In many cases these services are performed by private businesses. District councils also operate sewage and liquid trade wastes treatment and disposal systems. Most district councils have education programmes about waste minimisation, especially in schools.

Both regional and district councils have responsibilities for managing the adverse effects of hazardous substances, hazardous wastes and contaminated sites.

District councils have bylaws to control littering in general. Environment Bay of Plenty prohibits any rubbish dumping in rivers, lakes, estuaries and the coast. If you see such dumping contact the Environment Bay of Plenty Pollution Hotline.

For more information on contaminated land, read the following pamphlets on:

Contaminated land - What you need to know when...

• Buying a property
• Conveyancing a property
• Selling a property
• Valuing a property

For more information on waste in relation to land, please contact Environment Bay of Plenty.