We all see it on our daily commutes, whether it be roadside, in parks, sand dunes, bushland or other public areas… but did you know that it’s your back pocket that pays for others illegal dumping?
And, for Lake Macquarie residents, that rubbish is costing you thousands of dollars.
In fact, the equivalent of 3,000 wheelie bins of waste is being illegally dumped in and around Lake Macquarie each year, with council warning fines of up to $30,000 will be issued.
“Last financial year there were 1,000 reported incidents across the city with more than 2,000 tonnes of waste illegally dumped across numerous sites,” says council’s manager environmental regulation and compliance Derek Poulton.
“That’s roughly 3,000 wheelie bins worth of waste, which needs to be cleaned up by council at a cost to ratepayers.”
Asbestos, construction waste and tyres were among the most dumped items.
“Illegal dumping costs our community more than just dollars, it creates serious environmental and health risks, especially hazardous waste like asbestos,” Mr Poulton says.
“Disposing of asbestos and other waste items responsibly, no matter how small the amount, is the right thing to do.
“Illegal dumpers are warned that this is not something we take lightly, and you will be fined. Individuals face on the spot fines of up to $15,000 while corporations could be fined up to $30,000.”
Residents are being advised there are many ways the community can dispose of waste responsibly.
From bookable bulky waste services, Chemical CleanOut days, to Community Recycling Stations at Council facilities, as well as the Community Recycling Centre at the Awaba Waste Management Facility.
Council’s website also offers an A-Z Waste and Recycling Guide detailing how to correctly dispose of waste items.
Residents are urged to report illegal dumping to the NSW Environment Protection Agency hotline by phoning 131 555.
For more on this topic:
- Crews remove 100 tonnes of dumped rubbish from bushland
- Kerbside collections trashed to save $5 million
- Council talks rubbish
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