Mitchell Shire Council has installed new CCTV cameras at dumping hotspots in an attempt to catch offenders in the act.
Council typically receives more than 400 reports of illegal dumping every year and spends more that $180,000 cleaning up and disposing of illegally dumped material.
Mitchell Shire Council Mayor Fiona Stevens said council took instances of illegal dumping seriously and was fed up with people doing it.
“The lazy, inconsiderate behaviour of some, dramatically impacts on the overwhelming majority who do the right thing,” she said.
“The cost and time to fix a problem that is preventable is frustrating. The vast majority of what’s dumped would be accepted free of charge at our resource recovery centres.
“The new cameras add to the existing network of CCTV cameras we already have across our community.
“Our eyes are on you from various angles and concealed locations. Therefore, the odds are strengthened in our favour, not yours.”
Offenders are at risk of fines or legal action, including a maximum court penalty of $610,700 or seven years imprisonment for an individual, and more than $1.2 million for a corporation.
A majority of items that are dumped such as electronic waste, car batteries, cardboard, gas bottles, foam and steel can be disposed of at no cost at a council resource recovery centre.
Ratepayers also receive five vouchers of up to $40 per scan on their rates notice each year, which can be used at a resource recovery centre.
“Illegal dumpers have zero regard for community and pose a significant risk to people and our environment,” Cr Stevens said.
“We understand not everyone has a tow bar or trailer, but there are options to dispose of large items of waste legally such as skips for hire, asking friends for help or local waste collecting contractors.”
To report illegally dumped waste, people can use the Report It option online at www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au or phone council on 5734 6200.
People can also contact the Environmental Protection Agency’s 24-hour pollution hotline on 1300 372 842.
