Dob in a dodgy dumper
We saw a 34 per cent increase in reports of illegal dumping incidents in April across NSW, most likely due to the change in community practice during COVID-19.
During the early months of the pandemic there was an increase in reports of illegal dumping
With some people needing to change accommodation and others taking the opportunity to renovate whilst spending more time at home, COVID-19 has also put stress on charity stores and their volunteers.
The EPA is asking members of the public to report illegal dumping in their communities after the 34 per cent increase was reported in April through the RIDonline database used by NSW councils and government agencies to record and manage illegal dumping incidents.
Minister for Environment Matt Kean said illegally dumped waste can harm our health, pollute the environment and cost millions of dollars in taxpayer money each year to clean up.
“Most people do the right thing and book in a waste pick up service with their council or sell items in good condition through online forums, but some don’t,” Mr Kean said.
“Leaving waste on the kerbside without contacting your council could be illegal dumping and cost thousands of dollars in fines.”
Tips and facts on managing extra household waste
- Book a waste collection in with your local council, but if your next collection is not for a while, store your unwanted goods safely until they can be disposed of.
- If your local op shop or charity bin is closed, don’t leave your donations outside. Look for an alternative nearby, or revisit when the store is open.
- Councils and public land managers can apply for grants to help combat illegal dumping. A new grant round is now open:
- If you spot illegal dumping in NSW, you can report it at ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au or to your local council
- On-the-spot fines for illegal dumping can range from $7,500 for individuals to $15,000 for corporations.
The NSW Government is working with councils and waste operators to keep critical waste services open during COVID-19.
According to preliminary data for May 2020 from RIDonline, rates of illegal dumping were no longer increasing and were back to comparable to 2019 levels.