Mitchell Shire Council’s local laws officers have fined a resident more than $300 after covert cameras caught them illegally dumping waste along Old Sydney Road, near Wallan.
The resident admitted to the crime when questioned and was directed to take the waste to a nearby Resource Recovery Centre.
Council is continuing its call on the community to ‘Dob in a Dumper’ and provide any information from a recent spate of illegal waste dumping on Old Sydney Road.
Clothes, rubbish bags and other items were strewn across multiple areas.
In some cases, once dumped materials were cleaned by council, more rubbish would appear in the same spot.
Council spends thousands of dollars clearing materials – a cost our community has to cover.
Dumped materials can also pose health and environmental risks across the community and natural environment.
Almost all of the dumped rubbish found, including air-conditioners, fridges, freezers, car batteries, electronic waste, foam and metal, can be taken to one of Mitchell Shire’s Resource Recovery Centres free of charge for residents.
Mitchell Shire Mayor David Lowe said illegal dumpers had zero regard for their neighbours and the damage they could cause to the community and environment.
“This case is a strong message to our community that we’re out there actively trying to reduce illegal dumping within our community. It is extremely disappointing to know that this person was a resident and could have easily taken the waste to one of our Resource Recovery Centres,” he said.
“We don’t want to see our municipality trashed. We remain in contact with external organisations to find solutions and ensure this mess is cleaned up.”
People who have any information on dumped rubbish can call council on 5734 6200. People can also report illegal rubbish dumping to EPA Victoria by calling 1300 372 842.
