Community boards in Dunedin are warning the increasing cost of landfill charges could lead to more illegal dumping in rural areas.
The concern was raised by Saddle Hill Community Board chairman Keith McFadyen, who told councillors litter was already a ''constant problem'' in the area.
Increasing fees would only make that worse, as more people who could not afford the charges decided to dump their rubbish instead, he warned.
''It certainly creates problems for us in terms of people putting their rubbish in the estuary, or around the estuary, or anywhere they can hide it.''
His comments came after the council, in its draft budget for 2013-14, proposed putting an end to accepting single rubbish bags at transfer stations and the Green Island landfill.
At the same time, charges for car-loads of rubbish would increase from $16.20 to $20, station wagons from $29.90 to $35, and trailers from $44.10 to $50.
Strath Taieri Community Board chairman Barry Williams agreed with Mr McFadyen's concerns.
Mr Williams said the council's decision to stop accepting individual bags of rubbish would only increase problems with illegal dumping in his area. Mr McFadyen also urged councillors to advance an upgrade of Brighton Domain, which remained in poor condition.
He expected that could cost $100,000, but members of the community had indicated a willingness to help with manpower and machinery, he said.
''If there's an opportunity for council to assist us to get that domain upgraded, it would be fantastic.''
