Riverbeds are not dumping grounds

An increase in the number of incidents of people dumping rubbish in riverbeds in the Selwyn district is causing concern for river users.

Earlier this month, a pile of between 800 and 1000 tyres was found dumped in the Waikirikiri/Selwyn riverbed near the Old South Road ford north of Dunsandel.

The tyres have now been removed, and will be recycled, but this incident alone will cost $5000.

Rates pay for clean up

Selwyn Waihora Zone Lead Gillian Jenkins said it was a frustrating waste of Selwyn ratepayers' money that could be put to better use elsewhere.

"It's really disappointing to see rubbish dumped in our riverbeds," she said.

"The community values its rivers, and incidents like this threaten to undo all the hard work that the community in Selwyn is putting in to improving our catchment."

Selwyn Waihora Water Zone Committee Co-Chair Les Wanhalla said the river and riverbed are important public and recreational spaces, and it's disheartening to see them being used as a rubbish dump.

"The Waikirikiri/Selwyn is the heart of our region, and it hurts to see selfish people treating it this way."

How to report illegal dumping

Jenkins encourages people to contact Environment Canterbury if they see something suspicious.

"The ratepayer should not have to bear the cost of this illegal activity," she said.

If you see suspicious activity or rubbish being dumped in a riverbed, please note the details of the vehicle and location, and report it to our Incident Reporting Line on 0800 765 588 or by using the Snap Send Solve app (for Apple or Android) or online reporting tool.