By Katalina Siasau

Illegal dumping of waste increased on Tongatapu when the Waste Authority closed during the holidays, causing many complaints circling around social media of rubbish bags that were dumped on the roadside.

The Waste Authority was closed in Tongatapu on Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day, and people were advised to contain their rubbish safely when put out on the roadside to be collected.

However, some people took to social media when they discovered rubbish bags on the roadside at Fangaloto. Others shared they witnessed vehicles throwing rubbish out to the road while drving.

Waste Authority officer, Lola Liava’a Tonga, said they received complaints from the public, and once the office re-opened after the holidays, they were starting to go back to their normal working hours, she said.

Lola was concerned about the illegal dumping of rubbish.

"People who have those kinds of behaviour, need to be educated to change their mindsets, towards a clean environment and clean public spaces," said Lola.

She also said there is an improvement in terms of the individual houses collection and handling of their rubbish before collectors come for pickups.

Waste Authority works together with the Environment Department (MEIDECC) and Police to make sure people are following the rules and regulations, and to prevent illegal waste dumping.

They urged the public to report any witnessing of illegal waste disposal.

Lola said they also recognized there are people who are still burning their wastes.

Public Events

From public events and celebrations from the holidays, and also the rugby games, lots of rubbish is dumped after, not only in those areas, but in private properties that are close by.

Lola said it is important to create awareness because "...people are not taking this matter seriously.”

The Department of Environment MEIDECC told Matangi Tonga today that they would release announcements tomorrow, informing the public to stop littering, that is after they received complaints of illegal dumping of rubbish.

The fine for littering is $20 pa'anga; burning waste $50 up to $2,000 depending on if the waste is deemed as hazardous.

As for dumping hazardous waste, the fine starts at $100 and goes up to $2,000.