Illegal dumpers targeted in Liverpool

18 March 2019

Liverpool City Council has welcomed raids on Liverpool properties by the Environmental Protection Authority as it investigates illegal dumping in South West Sydney.

Phones and computers were seized during searches last week as the EPA continues its investigation into dumping of construction waste in Leppington, Kemps Creek and Austral.

“Illegal dumping is a blight on our community,” Liverpool City Council CEO Kiersten Fishburn said. “Council is committed to identifying illegal dumpers and ensuring they are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

“We will continue to work with the Environmental Protection Authority and other agencies to track down dumpers and help make Liverpool a safer, healthier place to live in.”

Liverpool City Council Environmental Health Officers regularly take legal action under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 in response to illegally dumped material on land. The officers issue legal notices on responsible parties requiring clean-up and remediation of sites affected by dumped material.

Council is working to reduce illegal dumping by providing a wide range of services including free collections of unwanted household goods, community education campaigns, weekly clearing of dumped goods in high-density housing areas and surveillance cameras at dumping hotspots, as well as signage and enforcement.

Council’s Illegal Waste Officers investigate illegal dumping reports from residents and via proactive patrols. When identified, offenders are liable for substantial fines. Enforcement often leads to offenders cleaning up the dumped waste. Where there are no witnesses or evidence of the offenders, Council will arrange removal of the waste.

“Illegal dumping has a significant cost to Council – in its collection and in the disposal of the material,” Ms Fishburn said.

“Dumped rubbish is unsightly, unhealthy and harms the environment. It can attract vermin and be a physical and fire hazard.”

Illegal dumping should be reported to Council’s Contact Centre on 1300 36 2170.

Residents are reminded that Council offers two free waste pickups each year. Recycling material can be taken to the Community Recycling Centre at 99 Rose Street, Liverpool.