Used nappies and trash not a treasure for stream

Trash pulled from the Mangakakahi Stream this week. Photo/Supplied

Used nappies, a lamp shade, a double bed base, and a old TV is just some of the trash Bay of Plenty Regional Council staff found in the Mangakakahi Stream this week.

Council said in a media statement today a concerned member of the public made staff aware of the trash via their Pollution Hotline.

Council pollution prevention officer Mike Collins said a trailer was required to haul over 200 kilograms of waste from the stream to the Waste Management landfill.

"It was not a pretty sight and a real shame to see one of our streams treated like a dump site," he said.

Council staff spent three hours clearing and disposing of the rubbish and are urging people to take ownership for their own waste.

"We are very fortunate to be surrounded by some of the country's most pristine streams and lakes and it is our responsibility to look after them. That means disposing our rubbish the correct way."

Rotorua Lakes Council has undertaken a waste management makeover by providing wheelie bins for rubbish and recycling and Mr Collins believed there was no excuse for chucking household rubbish or any unwanted items in to our waterways.

"If you would like to swim and drink from it, cool down and even fish from your stream, think carefully about how you treat it. Everyone needs to do their part to keep our town clean and tidy."

Discharges to land, water and air in the Bay of Plenty region can be reported to the Pollution Hotline, 0800 884 883. Callers are encouraged to contact the Pollution Hotline at the time the pollution incident is occurring and provide a clear description of the time, date, location and details of the pollution related incident.

Local council deals with discharges to open stormwater drains, stormwater systems and failures of reticulated sewerage systems.