The cost of clean up and the unsightly nature of illegally dumped waste on kerbsides, in bushland and on reserves across the shire is just the tip of the iceberg. The dumping of hazardous waste such as asbestos and chemicals can pose a serious risk to human and animal health and dumped garden waste regularly results in the spread of weeds into natural areas and waterways.

A recent spate of dumping in the Yamba area such as this one at Sullivans Road (see photo), which included garden cuttings and carpet underlay, has Council rangers on high alert and has instigated increased surveillance in the area. 

Council’s Senior Waste and Sustainability Officer, Richard Roper said, “we will be making every reasonable attempt to find and prosecute those responsible for illegally dumping waste. With fines ranging from $4,000 to more than $1,000,000 or even imprisonment, it simply isn’t worth the risk”.

“The community’s help in reporting illegally dumped waste is important” Mr Roper said. Please contact Council directly on 6643 0200 or report it online via www.ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au

To find out more about the responsible disposal of waste and Council’s waste and recycling services go to www.clarence.nsw.gov.au and search ‘waste’. For further information on illegal dumping go to www.illegaldumping.com.au