`Dump the rubbish charges'

Free transfer stations are the only way to stop the region's growing rubbish problem, says Hawke's Bay Regional Council engineering officer Vince Byrne. And as one of the dedicated few who are out there getting their hands dirty picking it all up, he should know.
But Mr Byrne's employer says transfer stations will never happen.
Mr Byrne is responsible for dealing with the illegal dumping of rubbish on regional council property across the region.
In an internal council newsletter last month, Mr Byrne outlined his concerns and said making transfer stations free for domestic refuse was the best solution.
Transfer station fees were increased in July to reflect the 50 percent increase in landfill charges.
"Since Hastings District Council put up transfer station fees, I have seen a substantial increase in domestic and industrial dumping."
"I believe serious consideration should be given to make transfer stations free for domestic refuse with the costs being recovered in rates," he said.
Mr Byrne doubted that free transfer stations would result in excessive rate increases.
" ... At the moment this refuse is being dumped for no cost recovery by one or other of the local councils." Staff were paid to recover the rubbish and take it to the transfer stations.
"These guys do a great job. Without them the place would be a whole lot worse."
Mr Byrne was particularly concerned with dumping of large household rubbish bags and car wrecks in scenic areas.
"We and visitors to our region should not have to witness the filth in places that should be showcases for our region," he said.
People will receive a $10 petrol voucher for any car wrecks taken to selected wrecking yards throughout the region, he said.
Regional Council chief executive officer Andrew Caseley said the council knew there was a problem with dumping, but did not believe free transfer stations were the answer.
"A user-pays charge is fair, as you pay to dispose of what you generate," he said.
"This acts as a rubbish production deterrent as when rubbish production decreases, so do the costs people have to pay."
He said increasing rates to cover transfer station costs would not be fair.
Mr Caseley said he was amazed by the composition of the dumped rubbish.
"So much of it is in council rubbish bags, or was recyclable. It really does defy logic that people have gone to the effort of dumping rubbish that could be collected from their gate," he said.
"There is no need for people to dump cars, there are numerous wrecking yards in the region that give petrol vouchers for wrecked cars."
Mr Caseley said the council was seeking advice on a proposed bylaw that would give officers authority to issue fines for those caught dumping.
But he was sceptical of the effectiveness of the proposal. Napier City Council Works asset manager Johan Ehlers said making transfer stations free was not a viable option. "Operating costs of transfer stations in Napier are 85 percent user charges," he said.
"All the refuse is then taken to the landfill, and there is a charge for this."
Though owned by Hastings District Council and Napier City Council, the landfill is run as an independent business.
"The charges for using the landfill are used to fund the development of the valley."
"The money has to come from somewhere, and there are better options, including education and enforcement."
Hastings District Council technical engineering manager Neal Absolom said the council was aware an increase in transfer station fees was mirrored by an increase in illegal dumping.
"Most people take responsibility for their rubbish, but there are those who are not using the systems we have in place effectively," he said.
"A uniform annual rate charge as opposed to user pays is not a fair practice. Small users would have to pay the same as large users, but with user pays, we have options and a fairer system."
Central Hawke's Bay District Council roading and solid waste manager Jag Pannu said illegal dumping was not a problem in the district.
The council operates a partial user pays structure, with 52 rubbish bags provided from rates.
Wairoa District Council permanently closed their transfer stations last weekend as a cost-saving effort.
Council officers said there has not been a large problem with illegal dumping but they were aware that a charge refuse system might create problems in the future.
A collection service for rural domestic refuse has been established in the district.