Illegal dumping will be a key focus for Byron Shire Council in 2022 with a Mullumbimby resident recently fined $2000 for dumping waste material from a home renovation in a stormwater drain.
In 2021 there were 590 illegal dumping incidents reported in the Byron Shire including several large construction waste dumps, some containing asbestos.
Council issued $8,000 in fines last year along with many written warnings with illegal dumping at least doubling since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Council has no tolerance for illegal dumping and neither do Byron Shire residents.
“A big thank you to members of the public who have notified Council of illegal dumps and with their help we have been able to investigate, fine people and organise clean-ups when needed,” Zoe White, Council’s Waste Education Officer, said.
“Community tolerance is low when it comes to illegal dumping and it is not acceptable on any level because it can be harmful to people’s health and of course, the environment,” she said.
“This year we are ramping up our campaign against illegal dumping and if anyone sees anything please make sure you report it.
“We will be adding new surveillance measures and staff will continue regular monitoring throughout 2022.
“If you are found doing the wrong thing, we will find you and issue a fine or a court attendance notice and I can assure you your friends, neighbours and the community in general, will frown on your behaviour,” she said.
People who see illegal dumping can report it to Council via:
- Phone on 02 6626 7000
- Council’s website
- The NSW Government’s Report Illegal Dumping website.
“We are also working on prevention measures to make it easier for people to do the right thing and dispose of their waste correctly,” Ms White said.
In mid-January Council will be launching a new initiative with a free courtesy trailer to be available to help residents transport bulky waste to the Byron Resource Recovery Centre (BBRC).
Residents are also eligible for an annual free drop-off service to the BBRC of 150kg of bulk waste or 500kg of green waste.
Information about and the free is on Council’s website.
