Addressed mail, bills could be used to catch illegal dumpers

Checkpoint

Car rego plates and letters or bills with peoples names on them could be used to track down and fine offenders illegally dumping rubbish. So called fly tippers can cost councils hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in clean up costs. At the moment critics say it is difficult to hold them to account under laws written in the 70s,.with offenders basically needing to be caught in the act. But under proposed changes to legislation, evidence like addressed mail left in dumped rubbish could be used to identify dumpers, and fine them for the costs of clean-up. Hasting's District Councillor Wendy Schollum spoke to Lisa Owen.