Illegal Dumping
Illegal dumping impacts more than the environment, it impacts our way of life, the natural beauty of our community and has a financial impact on our community.
What is illegal dumping?
Illegal dumping is the unlawful disposal of any rubbish in public places such as bushlands, waterways, streets, laneways, parks, and footpaths. Dumped waste can attract others to dump waste at the same location, be aesthetically displeasing, attract pests, and create odour. Dumped green waste can also spread weeds.
What should I do with my unwated items?
There are no excuses for dumping waste illegally. There are a number of ways you can dispose of your unwanted household items responsibly:
- Use your FREE annual Household Clean up Services (2 per year) which are provided to all rate payers who have a domestic wheelie bin service.
- Take advantage of the many items that can be take to Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre for FREE (169kB PDF).
How can I report illegal dumping?
There are two ways to report illegal dumping in the Tweed Shire:
- Report to the EPA online www.ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au (external link) , or by phoning 131 555.
- Report to Council online at Report a Problem (external link) , or by phoning (02) 6670 2400 or 1300 292 872 during business hours, or After Hours on 1800 818 326.
The kind of information your council will need to know includes:
- Street location of illegal dumping.
- Types of dumped materials, whether you believe it constitutes a hazard.
- Date and time of dumping.
- Name and address of person(s) responsible.
- Associated vehicle, registration number(s).
- Photographs of the incident(s) may assist the investigation.
Council may be able to access assistance funding through the Environmental Trust Grants (424kB PDF) therefore it is important to provide as much detail as possible to assist the assessment as to whether the request meets the eligibility criteria. You can be fined!
Fines of $4000 can be issued on the spot, with maximum penalties up to $250,000 for individuals and $1 million for corporations. Rangers have stepped up surveillance of dumping hotspots, using clever new technology to catch those breaking the law.
How is Council tackling the problem?
Tweed Shire Council has partnered with the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to conduct an Illegal Dumping Prevention Program. Our objective is to create anti-illegal dumping behaviour for the future through an integrated approach of evidence gathering, education and awareness, prevention, enforcement, infrastructure and evaluation based on the EPA pillars for reducing illegal dumping.
This project is a NSW EPA Waste Less Recycle More Initiative funded from the Waste Levy.
Unfortunately the land owner is responsible for managing the clean-up of dumped waste (external link) , including the cost of clean-up if the perpetrator cannot be identified. Council nor the EPA will clean up the waste for private landowners or occupiers of private land.
Litter
Litter (external link) can be almost any material that is disposed of incorrectly. Litter includes cigarette butts, drink containers, bottles dropped on the ground, fast food wrappers thrown, or grass clippings swept into the gutter. Authorised officers of Council have the ability to issue
penalty infringement notices (external link) for littering offences dependent on the nature of the litter.
Did you know you could be fined for not covering your trailer or ute which has a load of material?Ensure each load of material you are transporting is adequately covered. Uncovered loads can spill onto the road, creating pollution and litter. Dust, soil and litter that escape from uncovered loads can wash into stormwater drains and pollute waterways. Don't risk a fine. Litter from uncovered loads can also cause an accident through heavy objects dislodging and dust obscuring the vision of other road users such as motor bike riders. Transport waste responsibly.
Report Littering from Vehicles
If you see litter being discarded or blown from a vehicle you can report this to the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) (external link). You will need to record details such as the vehicle registration, location, type of litter, date and time. When doing so make sure you do not compromise your safety. By reporting littering from motor vehicles, you can help raise awareness, reduce clean-up costs and keep NSW clean.Wallet cards providing details of how to report are available at either of Council's Offices at Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads.
Further Information