Illegal dumping refers to the placement of any waste on either public or private land, where no licence or approval exists to accept such waste. This includes green waste and fill material.

“What is probably the most frustrating element of illegal dumping is that a large proportion of the illegal dumping is green waste, which is free to dispose of at Council’s Waste facilities, so there is no excuse,” said Narromine Shire General Manager Jane Redden.

“Council has to allocate $5000 within its annual budget just to deal with the cost of cleaning up illegal dumping” she said.

Residents are being reminded that illegal dumping poses a direct threat to the surrounding environment and to human health. Illegally dumped materials can be hazardous, for example asbestos and chemicals create a risk of soil and water contamination, fire and toxicity. Dumping of weeds and garden waste can destroy local bushland by reducing biodiversity and hindering revegetation.

Council’s officers will be increasing patrols and surveillance of all known “hotspots” and will be taking a zero tolerance to any illegal dumping regardless of size or what type of waste it is.

On-the-spot penalty notices are significant ranging from $2000 for non-hazardous material, $4000 for hazardous material and up to $8000 for any business found dumping hazardous material.

Council have advised that being the owner of the waste is enough for an on-the-spot penalty notice.

Anyone who witnesses illegal dumping are urged to report it to council on 02 6889 9999.