Council crackdown on rubbish dumpers

Illegal waste dumping in the Camden Council area is being targeted as part of a campaign to tackle this growing environmental and public health issue.

Earlier this year Camden Council appointed an Environmental Protection Officer (EPA) dedicated to investigating and policing illegal dumping activity, funded by the NSW State Government EPA Better Waste and Recycling Fund.

Since February this year council has investigated approximately 600 illegal waste dumping incidents on both public and private lands.

Willful or negligent disposal of waste causing actual or likely harm to the environment may attract the following maximum penalties:

• for an individual: $1 million and/or 7 year prison sentence for wilful offence and $500,000 and/or 4 year prison sentence for negligent offences;
• for a corporation: $5 million for wilful offences and $2 million for negligent offences;

Also, council officers may issue penalty notices (on-the-spot fines) of up to $4,000 for an individual and $8,000 for corporations.

“The disposal of waste on private and public land has a real social, financial and environmental impact on the community,” says Camden Mayor Lara Symkowiak.

“Litter often ends up in our waterways and stormwater systems and illegally disposed of asbestos and fill can have serious public health implications,” Cr Symkowiak said.

[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Protecting the environment is not only a matter for council, but a concern for the whole community.[/social_quote]

“We encourage people to be on the lookout for anyone disposing of their waste irresponsibly and contacting the EPA or council with their details,” she said.

Reports of illegal dumping can be made to council by phoning council’s customer centre on 4654 7777 or the EPA on 131 555 or online to www.ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au

More information about illegal waste dumping is available on the EPA website www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/litter-and-illegal-dumping/illegal-dumping-lawspenalties