Rubbish and Recycling Enforcement

Unlawful waste disposal and enforcement

Council makes and enforces local laws to control the disposal of waste in their areas as well as regulating some waste activities under State laws.

Council enforces state and local laws relating to many waste disposal matters, including:

  • Disposal of dangerous pollutants such as Asbestos
  • Domestic waste water (sewage) systems
  • Littering
  • Illegal dumping
  • Burning off and use of incinerators
  • Proper use of council waste disposal services

 

Leave your bins out... Risk a Fine!!!

Bins that are left out for extended periods of time can cause a risk to public health and safety.

If these bins are left out they may cause 

  • obstruction to footpaths
  • prevent safe parking of vehicles
  • be hazardous to drivers if bins end up on the road
Council takes public health and safety and the potential for pollution seriously. If your bin is left out for extended periods of time or is out on the wrong day then the enforcement process will take place. If bins are repeatedly left out you risk a fine of up to $511.00.

 

As per Council's 2023-2024 Schedule of Fees and Charges
'Any resident that places a waste or recycling bin out for collection on the wrong collection day which can cause an environmental threat of the contents escaping, at the determination of the waste collection staff, that needs to be emptied, will be emptied at a rate specified in Section 22 of the fees and charges and billed to the owner. The details of the bin will be sent to compliance for follow up action'

The Fee for this service is $50.00 and an invoice will be send to the property and owner.
 

Illegal Dumping

Illegal dumping is classified as the dumping of waste larger than litter in public areas such as roadsides, bushland, next to a bin or illegal landfills, without Council or EPA approvals.

These large waste items include general household rubbish (from supermarket bag size upwards), larger domestic items (e.g. mattresses, garden waste, construction materials, hazardous waste and abandoned vehicles and tyres). 

People might dump rubbish illegally to avoid paying disposal fees or simply because they don't have the time or effort required for proper disposal.

You can report illegal dumping by:

  • Contacting Council on 1300 345 345 or email
  • Visiting RID Online
  • Calling the NSW EPA RID helpline on 131 555
  • Reporting through Snap Send Solve platform via PC or App 

 

Did you know?

If an individual is found guilty of illegal dumping in court, they can face 7 years in jail and a $250,000 fine.
 
In Emergencies

Does it include toxic fumes or a large chemical spill? Call 000 and report it immediately.

Is the dumped waste an immediate threat to human health or the environment? Call EPA Environment Line on 131 555.

Examples of waste that can threaten human health or the environment are:

  • Asbestos
  • Toxic Chemicals

 

Littering

The law says you litter when you discard material in a way that makes a place more disorderly or has detrimental effects on the use of that place.

Everyone is responsible for their own litter, and if you litter you can be fined.

You are responsible for your own litter

If no bin is at hand, you must keep your rubbish until you find a bin. You cannot rely on other people to clean up your litter.

 

Report littering

The best contact to report litter (and illegal dumping) depends on the type of litter or dumped material and where it is.

Report littering from a vehicle

If you see someone littering from their vehicle, you can report them directly to the EPA via the Report Litter web link.

To report littering from a vehicle you need to

  • have actually seen the litter being thrown, or blown, from the vehicle
  • provide the vehicle registration details and the location where the littering took place
  • report the incident within 14 days
Roadside litter is one of the most unnecessary and preventable environmental problems. Reporting littering from vehicles helps to raise awareness, reduce clean-up costs and keep NSW clean.
 

Covering and Transporting your Waste Load

Waste is not just rubbish and unwanted material but also includes:

  • Excavated material such as dirt, sandstone and soil
  • Construction, building and demolition waste, such as asphalt, bricks, concrete, plasterboard, timer and vegetation
  • Asbestos and contaminated soil
Transport Waste Safely

Clause 49(c) of the The Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2005 requires waste transported by a vehicle to be covered during its transportation.

Ensure waste is transported safely and covered or risk a fine of $750

For general information from the EPA visit their website or download the brochure - Important information for waste transporters and the waste industry000 (695KB)

Check out some of these images from YouTube.
Although this is American footage, the message is universal..... Cover Your Load!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZL6NNPOlDo