A Kaiapoi resident has spoken out after discovering a large pile of dumped household rubbish in the Silverstream subdivision over the weekend.

He said the waste appeared to have been tipped sometime on Saturday or Sunday night.

“I walk through there regularly and I didn’t see it on Friday night, so it happened over the weekend at some point. Just disgusting,” he said.

The rubbish included household trash, old mattresses and car parts.

The resident, who reported the incident to the Waimakariri District Council, said the area was becoming a repeat dumping ground.

“I’m guessing it’s a repeat offender. I’ve seen people dumping stuff down there before, but not like this,” he said.

Among the discarded rubbish was an open envelope containing a name and address.

The resident said it could help identify whoever was responsible, but he was leaving the matter in the hands of the council.

He hopes raising awareness will make people think twice before dumping their rubbish in public places.

“I just want people to stop thinking they can dump household trash, old mattresses, car parts,  you name it, he did it. It’s wrong and it wrecks the area for everyone else,” he said.

The dumping took place near the Silverstream subdivision, close to the Kaiapoi River catchment area, raising concerns about rubbish entering local waterways.

Illegal dumping, or fly-tipping, is an offence under the Litter Act 1979.

Offenders can face infringement fines of up to $400 dollars or prosecution for serious cases, which can lead to court-imposed penalties of up to $30,000.

The council can also recover the costs of investigating and cleaning up dumped waste.

Residents who see illegal dumping are encouraged to report it to the council on 0800 965 468 or through the Snap Send Solve app.