12 May 2016

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People who litter will be liable for fines of up to $400 under a new infringement regime approved by Christchurch City Council.

Currently the maximum fine for people caught littering in Christchurch is $100, but the Council has decided to introduce a graduated scale of infringement fees so that the worst offenders pay more.

Under the new infringement regime:

• A $100 fine will be issued to those who illegally dump anything less than 1 litre, such as cigarette butts, cans, or takeaway containers.

• A $200 fine will be issued to those who illegally dump anything weighing between 1 and 20 litres, such as supermarket bags full of rubbish.

• A $300 fine will be issued to those who illegally dump between 20 and 120 litres, such as multiple boxes of rubbish or car tyres.

• A $400 fine will be issued to those who illegally dump over 120 litres, such as lounge chairs, car parts and green waste.

• A $400 fine will be issued to those who illegally dump offensive, commercial or hazardous waste, such as oil, disposable nappies, medicines and animal remains.

Christchurch City Council typically receives more than 100 complaints a year about the dumping of litter on cleared properties and in public places like road berms.

Between February 2013 and May 2015 345 complaints about litter were recorded by the Council.