Littering and illegal dumping is an offence under the Hamilton City Council Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw 2019. The Council can issue fines for littering and dumping under sections 13 and 14 of the Litter Act 1979.
If you are issued a fine for littering or dumping you must either:
If after 28 days you haven't paid your fine or disputed your fine, we will lodge your infringement with the Department of Courts. They have the authority to enforce the fine, including extra costs.
If you choose to dispute your fine the District Court will determine whether an offence was committed. If the Court finds an offence was committed then the court may order you to pay the fee and associated court costs.
The following fees apply for littering:
Depositing non-dangerous litter of less than 1 litre by volume other than on or in a Council park of reserve.
Examples: a takeaway container, cigarette butt or drink can.
$100
| Nature of infringement | Fee |
|---|---|
|
Depositing non-dangerous litter from 1 to 20 litres in volume other than on or in a Council park or reserve. Examples: 1.5 litre plastic container, a single disposable nappy, or placing household rubbish bags or accumulated car waste into public litter bins, soft drink bottle. |
$200 |
|
Depositing non-dangerous litter from 20 to 120 litres in volume other than on or in a Council park or reserve. Examples: roadside dumping of small volumes of household or green waste, fridge, mattress, sofa, or of any pest plant material, or depositing any waste in a park. |
$300 |
|
Depositing non-dangerous litter up to 120 litres in volume on or in a Council park or reserve. Examples: roadside dumping of small volumes of household or green waste, fridge, mattress, sofa, or of any pest plant material, or depositing any waste in a park. |
$300 |
|
Depositing a non-dangerous litter of more than 120 litres by volume in any place Example: truck load of dirt/building waste. |
$400 |
|
Depositing dangerous litter of any quantity in any place. Examples: dumping commercial waste, multiple disposal nappies, car parts or glass, e-waste or animal remains. |
$400 |
The council can also prosecute under the Litter Act 1979 for more serious offences; the maximum penalty upon conviction is $30,000.
