Latrobe City Council has received multiple complaints about illegal dumping outside a scrap metal yard in Morwell and is taking measures to educate the community about where and how waste should be disposed.
Latrobe City Council’s Mayor, Councillor Dan Clancey, said the dumped material was unsightly, dangerous and inconsistent with the recent works to beautify the town entrances.
“While there has been a history of the community taking their scrap metal to the yard, and leaving it on the roadway and nature strip, even outside of business hours, the fact is it is illegal to dump any kind of material there. The land and roadway are both Council-owned and there has been significant damage to infrastructure and even evidence of asbestos being dumped. It could also be possible that dumped waste could lead to toxic material entering the storm water system. Not only are there rate payer expenses to remove waste and fix infrastructure, this is not what we want for our town, the wider community and visitors to see,” Cr Clancey said.
At the property, there are two warning signs in prominent locations, a surveillance camera and a flood light that activates an audible warning to those who are leaving items outside the scrap yards trading hours. Latrobe City Council, Chief Executive Officer Steven Piasente, said Council wants it to be clear to everyone that leaving any item outside the property breaches the law.
“Council understands that some members of the community are unhappy that they have received an infringement notice for dumping waste outside the property. Community members who have received an infringement notice can contact Council and request a review,” Mr Piasente said.
“Council’s message is simple: if you have genuine scrap metal to dispose of, take it in to the scrap yard during trading hours. If you have other waste items that can be disposed of at one of our transfer stations, use your tip vouchers or pay for the disposal. If your item can be recycled, again, take it to a transfer station.
“To learn more about how to responsibly dispose of waste and/or recyclable materials our website includes extensive information, while we have been running a social media campaign on our Facebook account to further educate the community. There is no excuse for dumping. It hurts everyone whether that’s through rate payer funds being diverted to clean up, environmental damage or civic pride.”
To find out how to dispose of or recycle your unwanted waste, visit
