Combating illegal dumping

Waste Enforcement Group members.

The recent increase of illegal dumping in Fairfield City has prompted Council's Waste Enforcement Group (WEG) to explore new ways to crack down on offenders.

For three years, WEG has worked hard to keep local streets clean and warn residents about the risks of illegal dumping.

WEG officers are assigned to investigate incidences of illegal dumping in public places and issue Clean Up Notices to private property owners, if there is a chance that dumped material on their site could end up on Council streets.

The team works closely with a number of stakeholders, including local police and HAZMAT to remove dumped material and catch and prosecute offenders.

In their role, WEG officers also deliver educational programs to residents about how dumping affects the community.

Some key educational points focus on the harm that these materials can cause if they end up in local waterways, parks and schools.

The cost to Council to remove illegally dumped waste exceeds $1 million each year, which is a significant burden on ratepayers.

Apart from Council's dedicated WEG officers, a number of measures are deployed to identify offenders, such as closed circuit television cameras (CCTV), cover cameras and GPS information.

In the last financial year, Council issued a total of $288,000 in fines to companies and individuals for illegal dumping on public land.

Contaminated building and construction waste must be disposed of at a licensed landfill site.

A list of authorised landfill sites can be found on the NSW Environment Protection Authority website: www.epa.nsw.gov.au.

Residents should also be aware that mulch is not to be dumped in Council's parks or natural reserves.

Individuals caught dumping mulch will be fined a minimum of $750, and $1500 for corporations.

For more information, contact Council's Open Space team on 9725 0222 or visit: www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au.