Illegal dumpers put on notice as penalties soar

Council is informing residents about increased penalties for illegal dumping. Photo: ESC.

Eurobodalla Council is warning residents of a government crackdown on illegal dumping.

Council’s acting environment manager Noel Fuller said the NSW Government recently raised on-the-spot fines and doubled maximum penalties.

“It’s the biggest change to environment protection regulation in more than three decades,” Mr Fuller said.

“The reforms address gaps in legislation, giving the EPA stronger powers to deter environmental crimes and respond faster to pollution incidents.”

The new penalties came into effect following recent investigations into asbestos-contaminated mulch in NSW.

Some penalties will increase to a minimum on-the-spot fine of $15,000 for individuals and $30,000 for corporations for polluting land, water, or illegal dumping. For a second offence, the penalties increase to $22,500 for individuals and $45,000 for corporations.

While Council has authority to issue fines and carry out investigations, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) oversees enforcement.

Mr Fuller encouraged residents to contact Council’s waste team for advice about how to dispose of unwanted waste.

“In addition to our kerbside collections, Council provides free annual waste collection services for residents such as the chemical cleanout, hard waste, and more recently textile recycling and free green waste tipping a fortnight ahead of bushfire season,” he said.

Council is continuing its surveillance programs. Photo: ESC.

Mr Fuller reminded residents to be responsible for their own waste.

“If you get someone to take a load of rubbish to the tip for you, make sure it gets there and isn’t dumped in the bush somewhere,” Mr Fuller said.

“We’ve seen contractors fall victim to Facebook scams with their building waste. When this happens both the owner of the rubbish and the person who transported and dumped it can equally face hefty fines.”

Mr Fuller said dumping sites were under investigation near Eurobodalla’s waste facilities.

“Tip fees are no excuse for poor behaviour. Fees simply recover handling and processing costs to ensure waste is handled without damaging the environment, and they’re certainly cheaper than fines for illegal dumping,” Mr Fuller said.

“We are continuing with our surveillance programs to investigate illegal dumping incidents on council land, state forests and national parks. The community can help by reporting any acts of dumping or sites they come across to RID Online.”