Huge fines for illegal rubbish dumping under new City of Swan regulations

PEOPLE who dump rubbish could be fined up to $125,000 under the City of Swan’s new anti-dumping regulations.

The ‘Reduce Illegal Dumping’ project was launched at a well-known hotspot in Hazelmere on Tuesday, aiming to combat the growing litter problem within the Swan region.

Mayor Mick Wainwright said the initiative was part of the City’s commitment to stop the illicit act, which has seen more than 1500 tonnes of rubbish illegally dumped in the past three years.

“Not only does illegal dumping harm our wildlife and create potential fire hazards, it costs rate payers close to a million dollars a year to clean up,” he said.

“This is why we are calling on the community to take a united stand with us against illegal dumping.”

The RID program allows anyone who spots illegally dumped waste to report it through an online reporting system or over the phone.

Once a report was received, the waste would be located, cordoned off and investigated by the City of Swan.

Mr Wainwright said a number of covert and overt surveillance cameras had also been installed across the City’s illegal dumping hotspots to help catch those responsible.

“Over the last three years we’ve spent nearly $3 million picking up illegally dumped rubbish,” he said.

“That money could’ve been spent a lot better in our community on a lot more projects.

“People have to take a little bit of responsibility for their own area, and make sure if they see someone dumping rubbish, take a photo and get it in to us.”

Illegal dumping can be prosecuted with maximum fines of $62,500 for individuals and $125,000 for businesses.

If you see illegally dumped waste, report it online at www.swan/wa/gov.au/RID or by calling 9267 9267.The peak period for illegal dumping of waste is in the summer months and the worst affected areas are:

Ellenbrook

Urban Growth Corridor

Lord Street

Malaga

Marshall Road