Dozens of Palmerston North residents who thought they could get away with leaving their rubbish strewn across the street or at other places it should not be have been fined under the city council's tougher rules.

Dumping rubbish illegally in Palmerston North has cost 30 residents more than $4400 in the past 12 months.

Higher infringement fees were introduced in July last year.

Head of environmental protection services Wayne Jameson said when litter was found, council staff rummaged through it to discover where it came from.

"You'd be surprised at what we find in bags left around the place," he said.

"We get bank statements, and all sorts. This gives us a name and address. So unless, there are reasons as to why your mail is in the rubbish bag then it's likely you'll be fined."

Seventeen people were issued with $150 tickets for dumping one or two supermarket bags of rubbish in areas where they shouldn't be.

Eleven $250 tickets were issued for people who dumped more than two bags, while two $400 tickets were issued for illegally dumping dangerous litter, including dead animals and glass.

"No-one wants rubbish strewn around the city and no-one wants to have to pick up rubbish that has blown all over their backyard," Mr Jameson said.

Only $975 of the fine money had been paid to the council, and $2550 had been referred to the courts for collection.

The drop-off point for rubbish on Summerhill Dr closed in February after the site became overrun with people dumping rubbish there any day of the week.

The pick-up was set up when Summerhill residents had no kerbside service and it was supposed to be used on Fridays.

But when it got abused, CCTV cameras were installed to catch people who continued to leave junk there.

The council got rid of the drop-off point in July last year when rubbish and recycling collections were extended.

- © Fairfax NZ News