Singleton on Alert for Illegal Dumpers

BY TYLER FARDELL

As we enter the holiday season, Singleton Council say they will be on high alert for people illegally waste dumping.

Illegally dumping waste is a burden on the environment and the economy, with a small minority of Singleton residents choosing to dump waste in the bush rather than use the Summerhill waste management centre.

The fines for illegally waste dumping start at $2000 and go up to $250,000 for individuals while companies can be fined a maximum of one million dollars.

Singleton Councils Acting Director of Planning and Infrastructure Mary-Anne Crawford is hopeful the intimidating fines will scare away any potential waste dumpers.

"The Regional Illegal Dumping Squad (RID), will be very active over the holiday period to ensure that if you dispose of waste illegally, you will be caught", she said.

"People should use the waste disposal facility instead, which is open every day apart from Christmas day".

Many waste materials that people dispose of illegally often contain toxic materials like asbestos and poses a health risk to the community.

Illegal Dumper

Heddon Greta Skip Bin Company Hit with Hefty Fine

BY JESSICA ROUSE

They've only been in operation for six months, but already a Heddon Greta skip bin company has been hit with a hefty fine for illegally dumping waste.

Needa Skip Bin was fined $15,000 for taking 12 loads of waste to a property in Keinbah near Kurri Kurri  - using it to fill depressions in the land.

The waste included bricks, masonry and concrete.

It was also found that they burnt timber and asbestos on the property.

The Environmental Protection Authority has also ordered the company to remove the waste from the property as well as pay the fine.