Eurobodalla Shire Council targets illegal dumping

Illegal dumping and other roadside litter is an enormous problem in our region and the clean-up costs which are met by  members of the Southern Councils Group – Bega, Eurobodalla and Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven and Wingecarribee and Wollongong councils – add up to millions of dollars every year.

General Manager of Eurobodalla Shire Council, Dr Catherine Dale, says this year council will be targeting illegal dumping in local bushland and natural areas, conducting regular blitzes of dumping sites and issuing on-the-spot fines as part of the Southern Councils Group's Illegal Dumping Program.

"The program covers over 18,000 square kilometres and seven local government areas and is supported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)," said Dr Dale. "It aims to educate residents and visitors that it is illegal to dump waste on footpaths, nature strips and streets and in parks, bushland and waterways and about the heavy fines people face."

Last year, the EPA reported an increase in illegally dumped waste and this year, council rangers will issue on-the-spot fines ranging from $750 to $1,500 (for individuals) and $1,500 to $5,000 (for corporations) to deter illegal dumping . More substantial fines could also be issued if court action is taken.

"The major illegal dumping behaviours we aim to address in Eurobodalla in 2014 include general household waste, green waste, white goods, computers and car bodies," Dr Dale said.

"I encourage residents to make use of the waste services and facilities that council provides rather than resort to dumping. Council provides many opportunities for the responsible disposal of waste including kerbside and chemical collections and three waste management facilities that offer free e-waste and other recycling services."

If you witness or come across illegal dumping, please report it immediately to the EPA hotline, 131 555. More information about waste services in Eurobodalla is available at www.esc.nsw.gov.au or by calling 4474 1000,