Canterbury Regional Council is investigating six companies for dumping and burning demoliton rubble.
Thousands of tonnes of waste has been generated as a result of the earthquake and it has to be disposed of at a designated landfill.
The council says in several cases, rubble has been taken to a private property, stockpiled and then either buried or burnt.
Environment protection manager Brett Aldridge says he is worried these cases are just the tip of the iceberg. He expects more will be reported as demolition around the city increases.
The regional council will pursue laying charges. If convicted, those responsible could be fined $300,000 or face up to two years imprisonment.
