Litter and illegal rubbish dumping

Illegally dumped rubbish is a problem for our community and our environment – it costs us all. If you see illegal dumping or littering (sometimes called fly-tipping) let us know, as there are penalties for both of these in Kāpiti. 


What's the problem?

Illegally dumped rubbish:

  • can be dangerous to the public, as it may contain hazardous objects such as sharp objects or asbestos
  • costs us all, diverting money from other things that benefit our community
  • can harm our local environment, injuring or killing birds, fish, plants, and damaging soil and waterways
  • decreases enjoyment of our shared spaces.

Reporting illegal dumping

You can report rubbish and littering to us by telephone, using our online service request form, or through our Antenno app.


Infringement fees

Rubbish dumping is an offence under the Litter Act 1979. Council officers can issue infringement notices between $100 and $400, depending on the type and amount of litter.

Infringement notices for disposal of waste in Kāpiti Coast District in a public place, or on private land, without the occupier’s consent:

Typical offences First offence Second or subsequent offence within 1 year

Depositing litter of less than or equal to one litre by volume

Eg, takeaway food/drink containers, cigarette butts, plastic drink bottles.
$100 $400

Depositing litter from 1 to 20 litres by volume*

Eg, roadside dumping of household rubbish or accumulated car waste or putting it in public litter bins.
$200 $400
  • Depositing litter from 20* to 120** litres by volume
  • Depositing any litter in a Council park or reserve
Eg, roadside dumping of smaller volumes of household or green waste, or of any pest plant material.
$300 $400
  • Depositing litter of more than 120 litres** by volume
  • Depositing of hazardous litter
Eg, dumping commercial waste, dumping disposable nappies, car parts or glass, e-waste, animal remains or anything that has a hazardous chemical residue.
$400 $400

 *20L is the approximate capacity of a small pull-out kitchen or bathroom rubbish bin

**120L is the approximate max. capacity of two 'usual' black rubbish bags for household (60L per bag)