Since its inception the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has tried to educate people to not litter. Now, thanks to an updated website and a new radio advertisement they’re one step closer to getting their message across.
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The EPA has worked together over the last two years with NSW Transport, Service NSW and Roads and Maritime Services to initiate it’s ‘Hey tosser’ campaign. The latest stage in the campaign has been rolled out with advertisements on local radio stations.
The dob in a tosser section of the EPA website has been revamped making it more user friendly and easier than ever to alert authorities of those doing the wrong thing in regards to littering.
“The Hey Tosser! message is simple: tossing litter is not acceptable. If you have an empty container, an old newspaper or a cigarette butt don’t toss it – put it in a bin or take it with you.” An EPA representative said.
“Litter damages our natural environment, harms wildlife and sea creatures, can injure people, and makes our public spaces less safe.”
On the website individuals are able to report incidents of littering and fines of $250 for individuals and $500 for corporations can be issued. To report littering online you need to be 18 years or older, have actually seen the litter being thrown - or blown - from the vehicle, be able to provide the vehicle registration details and the location where the littering took place and report the incident within 14 days of it occurring.
“In the past year, nearly 10,000 people across NSW registered with the website, over 12,000 reports were made to the EPA, and more than 8000 fines were issued.” The EPA said.
The EPA says it’s also an expensive problem with around 25,000 tonnes of litter tossed in NSW each year, costing local councils and the EPA more than $180 million to manage.
Drink, takeaway, domestic and industrial containers, print and advertising material and cigarette butts have been reported as being the most predominant littered items in the state according to the EPA.
The EPA has said that the places in NSW found to be the highest littered areas tend to be industrial sites, highways, carparks, residential areas, retail strips, shopping centres, beaches and recreational areas.
Another key driver for reducing litter in NSW will be the introduction of a Container Deposit Scheme that will begin July 1, 2017.
For more information on how you can report a tosser or for tips on how you can help to reduce litter simply search Hey Tosser online or go to the Hey Tosser website at http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/heytosser/ .