Blatant disregard for the environment has enraged the Tapu-Coroglen Rd community.

A sofa bed, two chairs and a hot water cylinder have been dumped at a popular swimming spot in the Waiwawa River.

Rubbish dumped in the Waiwawa River has left local residents fuming and the council to pick up the mess. Photo: Stuff

A local resident, who did not what to be named, found the rubbish on Tuesday afternoon.

"I can't understand how people can be so short-sighted; they keep destroying our local area, I am a bit lost for words really," he said.

"There was packing foam from around a hot water cylinder floating down the river; it's just incredible, sofas floating in the river."

The man said the river flows out into the Whitianga harbour and rubbish can damage the region's reputation.

"It's pathetic, so uncaring and destructive, people need to wake up and realise this is not socially acceptable any more.

"The world is in bad enough state as it is, we need to sharpen up and we need to change our thinking."

The man said the beautiful river is often used for swimming and the water is clean enough to drink, but is at risk.

"This occasion is just one example of an ongoing problem on the Tapu-Coroglen Rd and other remote local roads - there is a lot of rubbish being dumped."

Thames Coromandel District Council spokesperson Rebekah Duffin said they had been notified and a contractor had been arranged to clear the rubbish away by Thursday.

"Our by-law officers are looking through the rubbish for any personal details that can lead us to the person who dumped the rubbish," Duffin said.

TCDC has a list of only a few names and the compliance team is investigating. A decision will be made whether to prosecute or seek reimbursement for the cost of removal of the rubbish.

Penalties will depend on the charge and evidence that the compliance team have.

Following the heavy, continuous rain on Wednesday night, the furniture has been washed further down the river from where it was first dumped.

Meanwhile, members in various groups on Facebook expressed their outrage following the posting of photos of the sofa, chair and other rubbish.

Kevin Pennell is a member of the Thames / Coromandel Grapevine and said there has been quite a good response to this.

"It's disgusting that people would dump rubbish is such a pristine area," he said.

"Hopefully, with more coverage it will stop other people considering this as an option for their rubbish."

Others in the same Facebook group posted their disgust at the dumping of rubbish.

Frances Wright couldn't understand why the furniture wasn't recycled.

"Doesn't make sense, this seems like a whole lot more work throwing this down there than taking to the dump."

- Stuff