People reminded to dispose of waste correctly

Monday 19 May 2008

Environment Bay of Plenty is reminding both businesses and the public to dispose of their waste correctly, following a recent prosecution in the Tauranga District Court.

A Bay of Plenty company has been fined $4000 plus costs for illegally burning materials which caused toxic smoke.

Neil Oppatt, chairman of Environment Bay of Plenty's Regulation Monitoring and Investigation committee, says it's a reminder for people to make sure they're doing the right thing for the environment and for the publics' health when disposing of any material, whether it be a business burning waste such as tyres or treated timber, or a person burning some plastic or other household waste in their backyard.

"Each year we get several hundred complaints about people burning things they shouldn't be, including tyres, plastics and treated timbers. The public has to recognise that this is prohibited - it's bad for the environment, and for our health.

"If you're not sure how to get rid of the waste you've got, in the first instance you should talk to your local district or city council, or you can contact us and we'll try and point you in the right direction. Our staff have many contacts throughout the region, and we'll do our best to help."

The recent prosecution resulted from an incident in March last year.

The company had burned a large amount of construction waste at a residential development. The fire contained materials, including plastics, which must not be burned under the Air Plan.

"Smoke from burning these types of materials is toxic and although this fire did not result in any health problems being reported, in presenting her decision to the court Judge Harland acknowledged that the potential for this to happen was high."

Mr Oppatt says the court's decision highlights the need for people to comply with the law when doing business.

"If you're not sure what the rules are, then I urge people to ask us. Copies of our regional plans are also available on our website at www.envbop.govt.nz."

ENDS

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