Bins not for businesses
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East Gippsland Shire Council is reminding residents and business owners public rubbish bins cannot be used to dispose of waste from homes or businesses.
Street bins, both recycling and waste, are provided to help people in public places keep the area tidy by disposing of items they may be carrying, such as wrappers, receipts, coffee cups, and food and drink containers.
Council’s Waste Management Coordinator Elizabeth Modrich said the street bin program is not designed for bulk waste from one person or business.
“These bins are provided so people don’t have to carry their rubbish around with them, helping to reduce littering. Unfortunately, we have had a spike in the use of street bins being used by business,” Ms Modrich said.
“In one incident, a 240L bin was filled with business rubbish 30 minutes after it was emptied. This illegal activity meant there was no room in the bin for waste generated by people shopping and spending money in the area. This matter is now being investigated.”
Council does not collect waste from businesses in its kerbside collection service. Businesses in the region need to hire a private waste contractor for this service.
Council’s Community Laws Coordinator Bill Petersen said anyone found to be using street litter bins for illegal dumping can be fined.
“Under the Environment Protection Act 1970, a person can be fined up to $6447.60. Anyone who sees illegal dumping, in street litter bins or elsewhere, is asked to contact council so it can be investigated,” Mr Petersen said.