It’s a sight that has been plaguing Young, piles of rubbish, white goods and furniture dumped on the side of the road.
Those committing this act may think it’s a harmless and convenient way of getting rid of their rubbish without having to pay fees at the council tips.
However there are very real consequences for illegal dumping that residents should consider before trying it.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) under the authority of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 has a tiered range of on-the-spot fines and penalties for those caught illegally dumping.
Tier 3: the lowest tier where an on-the-spot fine is issued can range from a $7500 for individuals, if issued by the EPA or $4000 if otherwise issued by another body.
Tier 2: which relates to strict liability waste dumping offences can carry a maximum penalty for an individual of $250,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further daily penalty of $60,000.
Tier 1: the highest tier where willful or negligent disposal of waste could cause actual or likely harm to the environment can carry a maximum penalty for an individual: $1,000,000 and/or 7 year prison sentence for willful offences; $500,000 and/or 4 year prison sentence for negligent offences.
Young Acting Inspector Kristin Marshall said that although illegal dumping wasn’t necessarily a police matter, they did share the some powers as council.
“If it (illegal dumping) is reported to police we will follow up on it, illegal dumping can be reported to police and people are making more reports to us,” Acting Inspector Marshall said. “We do have the same power as Council to issue fines to those who are dumping.”
The EPA recommends that to report dumped waste that poses immediate risk contact the Environment Line on 131 555. If no immediate risk is present contact your local council for small incidents and the Environment Line for large incidents.
If you see or are aware of illegal activity call the NSW Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
