Illegal dumping in Fremantle

Illegal dumping is when large amounts of unwanted waste items are abandoned on public or private land. Dumping waste materials without a permit is illegal in Western Australia and carries considerable fines and even jail time.

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) investigates and prosecutes illegal dumping offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act).

Illegal dumping can cause multiple negative environmental, financial, and social impacts. Hazardous items such as asbestos and other chemicals can contaminate soil and water, which presents a health risk to both humans and animals.

Illegally dumped materials can also block access to footpaths and driveways, making it not only inconvenient, but a serious safety hazard. Last, but not least, illegally dumped materials can also cause a significant fire risk.

Businesses and independent contractors that dump demolition waste and asbestos illegally, not only impact the environment, but also cost the City of Fremantle and other council areas money and resources.

Crime Stoppers WA and the Dept of Water & Environmental Regulation (DWER) have joined forces in a campaign to expose the illegal dumping of demolition waste and asbestos in Western Australia.

If you work in an industry where you see demolition and disposal of building waste material, including asbestos, it’s your responsibility to report any illegal practices and keep the industry and our environment clean.

If you’re renovating your home, it’s important to make sure that you use licensed contractors and find out where your demolition waste is really going. Be sure to ask for a receipt of disposal.

If you see a vehicle unloading waste onto any land other than a landfill, take some photos and get the registration number, if it’s safe to do this. You can include this when you report illegal dumping to DWER.

If you see something, say something. You can report online anonymously via the Crime Stoppers website, and your information will go directly to DWER investigators. They’re interested in your information, not your identity.

Report illegal dumping The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s Pollution Watch Hotline on 1300 784 782 or email [email protected] or report anonymously to Crimestoppers WA via their online form Report form • Crime Stoppers Western Australia (crimestopperswa.com.au). Call 000 to report a life-threatening incident or emergency.