Illegal rubbish dumpers are losers
Eurobodalla’s illegal dumpers are being caught and fined in increasing numbers.
Council’s Environmental Services Manager Deb Lenson said there were more than 100 illegal dumping matters investigated in Eurobodalla in 2015-2016.
“There has also been a focus on littering from vehicles and a number of $250 fines have been issued for this offence,” she said.
“We welcome support from the community by actively reporting these matters to Council or the Environment Protection Authority.”
Ms Lenson said illegal dumping and littering caused ratepayers a huge expense, and the costs were more than just financial.
“Litter impacts where we fish, where we swim, where we grow our oysters, where we bushwalk and cycle. In a tourism-driven economy where our stunning environment is such an important part of all our lives, there really is no place for litter,” she said.
A Regional Illegal Dumping prevention program, coordinated by the Illawarra Joint Organisation of Councils, has increased Council’s capacity to investigate and prosecute illegal dumping incidents. The program is supplemented with NSW Environment Protection Authority funding and includes Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla, Bega and Wingecarribee Councils.
Council rangers received training in investigation and surveillance techniques and exchange intelligence on illegal dumping activities.
Research shows that illegal dumping offenders are predominately male, between the ages of 18-45. The most commonly dumped items include building and demolition waste, excavated material, green waste and mixed household waste including TVs computers, tyres and mattress.
Ms Lenson says this is particularly frustrating because many of these items are free to dump at Council’s waste management facilities.
“We have waste management facilities at Brou near Narooma, at Moruya, and at Surf Beach, as well as annual hard waste collections and fortnightly household green waste pick-ups. There’s no excuse for people to dump their rubbish in our bushland when they could be getting rid of it for free or a small charge at our waste management facilities or through their household collections.”
Heavy fines apply for illegal dumping with costs ranging from on-the-spot fines of $2000 for individuals and $8000 for corporations and up to $250,000 and possible jail time for more serious or repeat offences.
Report illegal dumping to Council 02 4474 1000 or the EPA hotline, 131 555.
More information about waste services can be found on Eurobodalla Shire Council’s website www.esc.nsw.gov.au under ‘Council services’ or by contacting 02 4474 1024. Media Release
