Illegal Dumping

What is illegal dumping?

Illegal dumping is the depositing – dumping, tipping or otherwise – of waste larger than litter onto land or into water. Illegal dumping varies from small bags of rubbish in an urban environment to larger scale dumping of waste materials in isolated areas such as bushland.

If you would like more information, read these brochures on Illegal Dumping(PDF, 1MB), Asbestos Waste(PDF, 1MB), Landfill Waste(PDF, 1MB), and Development Waste(PDF, 1MB) .

The impacts of illegal dumping.

The illegal dumping of waste in public reserves, bushland areas, vacant lots and roadside verges creates a major problem for our community including:

  • pollution
  • poor visual amenity
  • lowered community pride
  • increased fire risk
  • reduced property values
  • the potential to attract other illegal dumping and antisocial behaviour leading to a state of degradation of your local neighbourhood
  • increased health and safety hazard
  • increased risk of weeds and pests
  • financial costs to Council and other government agencies which are ultimately passed onto residents, ratepayers and the community as a whole.

RID Squads

The Hunter/Central Coast Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) squad was established in 2014 to reduce the costs of illegal dumping and build capacity within the region. The Hunter/Central Coast RID Squad covers a wide geographical area including the Dungog Local Government area and works with other public land managers in the region to combat illegal dumping. The Squad uses the latest surveillance techniques to find (and penalise) the culprits of illegal dumping. Dungog Shire Council is an Associate Member of the Hunter RID Squad.

Reporting Illegal Dumping

Illegal dumping is a problem that impacts everyone in the community and if seen, should be reported immediately.

 

If you suspect someone is illegally dumping report it on 131 555 or ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au. Illegal dumping may also be reported to Council during normal office hours on 02 4995 7777.

Useful information to supply when reporting includes: a description of the person, the time of day and registration, make and model of the car. Fines apply for illegal dumping.

On the spot fines can be up to $4000 for individuals or up to $8000 for companies. If you are required to attend Local Court the penalty may be up to $110,000!! Repeat offenders may also face a jail sentence.

Other ways you can help

Besides reporting illegal dumping, there are a few things you can do to help combat the problem: 

  • Take your waste to the right place
  • When someone disposes of waste on your behalf, always get proof of disposal i.e. tip dockets form your contractor. It is important to know that if a contractor illegally dumps your waste, you are also liable
  • Take your waste to the right place. The Dungog Waste Management Facility is open every Monday, Thursday and Friday  from 8.00am to 5.00pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 12pm (only closed on select public holidays and Council picnic day)    
  • Know what is being brought onto your land. Free fill is rarely clean fill.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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