More than $62,000 worth of illegal dumping fines have been handed out to Lake Macquarie residents this year alone.
1100 incidents and 24,000 tonnes of unlawfully disposed waste has been recorded across the Hunter and Central Coast over the past 12 months, and we're being put on notice with fines starting at $2000 for individuals.
Analysis shows household waste is the most common material to be illegally dumped, accounting for 50% of all recorded incidents. Construction and demolition waste are the next most common.
Hunter/Central Coast RID Squad Coordinator Rob Robertson says residents can also get caught out if they enlist the help of another person or hire someone to remove rubbish.
"What sometimes happens is that fly-by-night waste removalists will advertise online, pick up your rubbish and take payment, then try to dodge tip fees by dumping their waste illegally," Mr Robertson says.
"Most householders don't realise they are actually liable when this occurs."
Lake Macquarie Council's Sustainability Manager Dr Alice Howe says they've just installed solar lighting at a known dumping hotspot, Glendale's Reservoir Road.
"Lighting is an important part of our deterrent strategy," she explains, "we really rely on the public to help us with information and lighting makes it easier for people to see what's going on.
"I really encourage people, if they see illegal dumping activity, to call the Environment Line on 131 555 and we can follow up on that," Dr Howe says.
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| The RID Squad's Rob Robertson on grounds off Reservoir Rd Glendale. |
