Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Monday, 23 January, 2017. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Illegal dumping is a costly task

With illegal dumping costing the local community over $150,000 a year, Greater Shepparton City Council and Parks Victoria are calling on people to do the right thing and dispose of unwanted goods and rubbish correctly.

Both organisations are working together to reduce illegal dumping particularly near waterways, bushland and along roadsides.

CLICK HERE for details on the penalties for illegal dumping and how to report dumping activity.

Illegal dumping can vary significantly from a small bag of rubbish to large household goods such as white goods, mattresses and furniture or building materials, abandoned cars, car parts and hazardous waste such as asbestos, tyres or chemical drums in isolated areas.

Council’s Director Infrastructure Steve Bowmaker said illegal dumping can cause significant issues including contamination of land, waterways and groundwater.

“Illegal dumping also threatens wildlife and their habitats including fish, turtles and platypus and can be a fire hazard. There are also impacts to tourism and local business as a result of illegal dumping,” Mr Bowmaker said.

“It is not fair that the community is forced to pay over $150,000 annually to clean up after people who can’t or won’t take their unwanted goods to their closest resource recovery centre to be recycled or disposed of. Illegal dumping also results in a lost opportunity to reuse or recycle dumped materials.

“If people see cases of illegal dumping, they are encouraged to report these to the relevant organisation.”

“It’s up to all of us to do our bit to make sure our beautiful parks and natural places are kept in great shape for everyone to enjoy. We are asking the community to help be our eyes and ears out in the bush and report people doing the wrong thing,” said Parks Victoria Ranger Team Leader Neville Wells.

Instances of illegal dumping can be reported to:

To discuss options for legal disposal of various hard rubbish or waste products please contact Council on 5832 9700.

 

Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.