Report accumulations of waste

We can investigate complaints about accumulations of waste material at premises that could be a statutory nuisance.

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 allows us to take action against odour problems that do one of the following:

• unreasonably and substantially interfere with the use or enjoyment of a home or other premises
• injure health or be likely to injure health

How we assess a waste accumulation complaint

We can take action against 'accumulations' or deposits of waste material that are having a direct impact on nearby residents.

The accumulation must be likely to either:

• harbour or attract pests, for example, rats
• present a health risk for humans

What we cannot take action against

Piles of waste that are not causing harm do not constitute a statutory nuisance.

For example, a large pile of building rubble that is not likely to harbour pests is not a statutory nuisance.

In these circumstances, we may informally contact the person responsible to discuss the problem. However, no formal action will be taken.

What happens next

When you make a complaint, we will contact the person responsible to investigate the problem.

We will then decide if the problem is a statutory nuisance and advise the owner on any action they should take.

If we find that the problem is a statutory nuisance, an abatement notice can be served to the person or business responsible. Anyone who continues to break the law can be fined.