Do your bit to stop rubbish dumping at rivers and beaches this summer
Environment Canterbury media release: 17th December 2025
As the weather warms up, we’re reminding everyone that Illegal rubbish dumping harms the environment and leaves ratepayers footing the bill, and those caught can face hefty fines.
We receive reports each summer from concerned locals region-wide about large piles of dumped rubbish, like glass bottles, whiteware, furniture and burnt materials scattered at our rivers and beaches.
This illegal dumping harms our environment and means the community misses out on safe and enjoyable spaces for recreation. It also leaves ratepayers footing the bill for the expensive clean-up efforts.
People caught dumping rubbish of any kind in rivers or on beaches are on the hook for a hefty fine. This year, infringement fines increased to $1500 – double the amount compared with previous years.
Rivers in the Selwyn District, including the Waikirikiri Selwyn River and those in South Canterbury, like the Ōrāri, Temuka and Pareora rivers, are examples of where dumping has been an issue in the past.
Dumping costs ratepayers
Removing rubbish and discarded items from our riverbeds is a pricey job, funded by rates. Contractors charge upwards of $600 per clean up, and over the summer months these incidents quickly add up to thousands in removal costs.
Councillor Ashley Campbell said it is frustrating to see ratepayer funds wasted on preventable clean-ups, when they could be used to support improvements elsewhere in the catchment or other projects.
“It’s really disappointing to see our rivers being treated like rubbish bins. The community in Selwyn is passionate about protecting our waterways, and incidents like these threaten to undo the great mahi being done by groups across the region.
“The ratepayer should not have to bear the cost of this illegal activity.”
Take your rubbish with you
Central compliance team leader Gillian Jenkins said our message to anyone considering dumping rubbish or unwanted items in or near rivers or beaches is simple – don't.
“We’re asking people to use common sense and dispose of waste the correct way – at your local rubbish dump, recycling facility, public council bins or at home.”
Senior resource management officer Michael Nolan said rubbish dumped in rivers is harmful to wildlife, and items like broken glass can be dangerous for people swimming.
“No one wants to see our beautiful awa being scarred by rubbish piles. Anyone including kids, could be out there swimming and there’ll potentially be big shards of glass or other material in and around the water.”
He added there are several FREE whiteware disposal sites across the region including at Phoenix Recycling in Timaru (48 Redruth Street). The cost of proper rubbish disposal is minimal compared to the fine imposed for dumping.
Michael said many of the sites where illegal dumping occurs are monitored by our staff and people have been caught in the act in the past.
Report illegal dumping
If you notice suspicious activity or rubbish being dumped in a riverbed or on a beach, help us take action this summer. Note the location and vehicle details and report it as an environmental incident by: