Fly tipping

So far this year Council have had in excess of 140 reports of fly tipping in the district. Last year, the cost to Council for fly tipping collection and disposal was $52,000.

Fly tipping is an illegal dumping of waste. Some of the items usually dumped in our area consist of general household rubbish, car parts, disposable nappies, fridges, TVs, computers and old furniture. Some of these items dumped are toxic to our environment and dangerous to people, as they can leak dangerous chemicals, asbestos and paint.

The most affected areas are at our rivers and reserves, and roadsides.

Most of the items discarded can easily be recycled. Bottles, cans, junk mail and cardboard are amongst nearly every dumping. Items such as these are free to dispose of at any recycling depot in the district. Council blue rubbish bags are also available for purchase at a competitively low cost of $1.60 per bag. If offending households were to put one bag out per week kerbside then the vast majority of this rubbish dumped could be disposed of in the appropriate way that doesn’t harm our environment.

Councils compliance and enforcement officers actively investigate all reported cases of fly tipping. A number of these inquiries have resulted in infringement notices being issued to offenders followed by the appropriate prosecution action being taken. Fly tipping can result in an infringement notice of up to $400. If prosecuted, the penalty is up to 1 month imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $5000 or $7500 for any litter that may be dangerous, infectious or might cause injury to any person.

Anyone who witnesses fly tipping in our district should contact Council immediately. If you are able to record the registration number of a vehicle being used, a description of the offender and where possible taking a photo or video of the offending taking place, this would greatly enhance the ability for council to take further enforcement action. Any information that witnesses can offer will be kept in strict confidence.