DOB IN A DUMPER
ILLEGAL dumping has jumped in Geelong during COVID-19 restrictions, with councillors calling on residents to dob in a dumper.
Councillor Anthony Aitken revealed illegal rubbish dumping had increased by more than 40 per cent since the end of March, as the Geelong council approved the extension and expansion of its free on-call hard waste collection service.
Cr Aitken this week delivered a message to those who had been illegally dumping during the COVID-19 crisis.
“We’ve had a 41 per cent increase in the amount of illegal dumping reports,” Cr Aitken said.
“That has put the organisation under significant stress and pressure, and given an unnecessary additional expenditure that the community doesn’t need during this time.
“If you see people illegally dumping, (ring 5272 5272) to tell council, because we can issue on-the-spot fines for $330 if we catch people illegally dumping.”
He said that in cases where there was significant dumping there were penalties under EPA laws of up to $8000.
Councillor Bruce Harwood also called on ratepayers to use the free hard waste collection service, and to “dob in” rubbish dumpers.
“Don’t be afraid to dob in someone who dumps,” Cr Harwood said.
“It’s your neighbourhood, it’s your environment, it’s your backyard.
“Don’t be afraid to let it be known that someone’s gone and dumped rubbish where it shouldn’t be.
“It’s the only way we can continue to reduce that and make sure our environment is kept at its best.”
The council on Tuesday approved the extension of the hard waste service for another 12 months to July 2021, and also to allow for two bookings per household each financial year and the inclusion of mattresses as a permitted item for collection.
More than 20,000 households — about one in five in the municipality — took advantage of the city’s 12-month trial service since its introduction in March last year, with 2484 tonnes of waste collected, 26 per cent of which was recycled.
The council says the most commonly dumped items in the region include tyres, bagged rubbish, rubble, furniture and mattresses.
It says illegal dumping “hot spots” are roadways, bushlands, and multi-unit premises.