Report accumulations of waste
Contents
How accumulation and deposit complaints are assessed
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.
Page last reviewed: 6 June 2024