Eyes on illegal dumping

​The City of Canterbury Bankstown has joined forces with local community groups to run a second round of the successful #EyesOnIt anti-dumping campaign.

The campaign encourages the community to report dumpings to Council. So far this year, residents have reported more than 3,500 illegal dumps.

Mayor Khal Asfour said the number of dumpings which occurred in the first week of the initial campaign ran earlier this year, was reduced by 40 per cent by the end.

“The first round was more about education but in the second phase, which will run for six weeks, ending mid-August, the focus will be on enforcement,” he said.

“Placing items on the street without a Booked Clean Up can attract a fine of up to $4,000 for individuals and $8,000 for businesses.

“We’ll be out in force using more dedicated staff and surveillance cameras than ever before, moving them constantly.

“We’ve also enlisted the support of community groups, including Environment@Lakemba and Chester Hill Community and Neighbourhood Centre, who are just as passionate about cleaning up our suburbs and fining offenders.

“So, if anyone is considering illegally dumping materials, remember, it will be reported, investigated, and action will be taken against you.”

To report instances of illegal dumping, visit http://cb.city/reportit or call 9707 9000. To report any instances of dumped commercial materials, contact the Sydney Regional Illegal Dumping squad on 131 555.

Residents can book two free Council clean-ups each year, where household furniture, metal appliances and even garden waste, will be collected, at a time that suits them.

“As part of the campaign, our officers provide information to residents about how to book a clean-up,” Mayor Asfour said.

“If you have a Booked Clean Up scheduled, residents need to put their items out the night before it is due to be collected and not add to other people’s piles.”

To book a clean-up, visit http://cb.city/cleanup

Residents can also arrange for local environmental charity, The Bower, to collect unwanted reusable household items, by booking online at www.bower.org.au