Don't dump garden waste!
Keep our reserves native!
Dumped garden waste (including Jasmine, Agapanthus, weeds, lawn clippings, etc):
- Smothers our native vegetation
- Threatens wildlife habitats
- Increases fire risk
- Attracts pests and disease
- Introduces invasive species
- Costs ratepayers money to restore native bush
Weeds never truly disappear
Even when the green parts rot away, weeds can still spread from seeds or small pieces of vegetation. Many weeds, such as Tradescantia (wandering dew), can grow from tiny fragments and easily spread from dumped piles. Piles of dead weeds not only look messy and take up space but are also a fire risk.
Did you know?
Dumping garden waste in our reserves, waterways and on roadsides harms our environment.
- Three-quarters of New Zealand’s problem weeds are garden escapees or plants dumped in parks, reserves, beaches, lakes, and rivers.
- Garden clippings and weeds can smother growing native plants and introduce invasive plants or seeds.
- Around 80% of vines introduced to New Zealand gardens cause problems in the wild.
- Invasive weeds are damaging thousands of hectares of native bush and threatening thousands more.
- The cost is huge: controlling weeds costs ratepayers millions of dollars every year.
What do I do with my garden waste?
Drop your waste to your nearest greenwaste centre (Athenree, Katikati, Te Puke and Ōmokoroa).
Or you could create your own compost pile! For tips on how to do this, check out Mitre 10's Easy Gardening Guide.
Report it
Remember: dumping garden waste is illegal. Report it.
Via email: info@westernbay.govt.nz, phone 0800 TRASHY, or Antenno.
We are working hard to remove these pest plants so our native species can thrive. Please dispose of your weed waste responsibly. Together, we can keep our neighborhoods beautiful and native.
