Townsville City Council officers have issued more than $30,000 in fines for illegal dumping since 11 September.
Townsville is among four Queensland councils involved in a six-month pilot program that is funded by the Queensland Government.
The program provides funding for officers to prevent, investigate and respond to illegal dumping activities.
Townsville Water and Waste Committee Chair, Cr Russ Cook said the program is making a difference across the city.
“The project officers have issued 15 penalty infringement notices to residents since 11 September,” Cr Cook said.
“Each fine is $2,135 so the total amounts to more than $30,000.
“Our message to residents is pretty simple, it is much cheaper to take your rubbish to the dump.”
Cr Cook said the Illegal Dumping Partnerships Program coincided with the introduction of the Queensland Government’s waste levy.
“One of the aims of the levy is to reduce the waste going to landfill, but that can have repercussions,” Cr Cook said.
“The pilot program was set up because the Queensland Government acknowledged that illegal dumping needed to be addressed.
“The project officers have logged 87 investigations and issued 15 infringement notices.”
Councillor Margie Ryder said illegal dumping has been an issue in her division – and the trial aims to make the city cleaner and safer.
“Asbestos disposal is a major issue for Townsville City Council and we don’t want people dumping it illegally around the city,” Cr Ryder said.
“People risk a $2,135 fine if they dump asbestos unlawfully, so it is much cheaper to take it to Council’s waste facilities.
“Council is taking a proactive approach to try and reduce illegal dumping, but it wouldn’t be a problem if people took responsibility for their waste.”
Residents can dispose of green water free of charge at Council waste facilities all year round.
