Environment

Illegal Rubbish Dumping

Illegal rubbish dumping, including roadside dumping and illegal land filling, degrades the local environment and generates significant community concern.

It is illegal to dump, or permit to be dumped, any waste, rubbish or soil products on private or public land, unless it is a licensed landfill site. If rubbish or soil is dumped on private land, with or without the owner's consent, it is the responsibility of the owner to arrange appropriate disposal of the waste, unless the person who dumped the waste can be identified. Council's Community Law Enforcement Officers investigate illegal dumping on Council owned and managed lands.

There are severe penalties for domestic rubbish dumping under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997. In cases where a person wilfully or negligently disposed of waste in a manner that harms or is likely to harm the environment, the maximum penalty is $1,000,000 for a corporation, and $250,000 or 7 years imprisonment or both for an individual.

An example of illegally dumped rubbish

Council is seeking the community's assistance in identifying incidents of illegally dumped rubbish in the Blacktown Local Government Area.

Residents should gather as much information as possible, including:

• vehicle registration
• dump site location
• time and date of dumping
• amount and type of waste
• description of driver and vehicle.

These details should only be obtained if they can be done so safely.

Rubbish Watch Incentive Scheme

When Council is successful in prosecuting a rubbish dumper, the person who reported the incident and provided details may be eligible to receive a financial reward via the Rubbish Watch Incentive Scheme.

The Rubbish Watch Incentive Scheme provides financial assistance to residents who agree to give evidence in court about illegal dumping. The scheme has a number of conditions:

1. The maximum payment is $300, and Council may decide on a lower amount to be paid.
2. Council may decide if any payment should be made to an individual or shared.
3. The claimant must provide information in writing and sign a document.
4. The claimant must be willing, if asked, to attend Court and act as a witness for the prosecution.
5. The claimant must provide ALL information regarding illegal dumping.
6. Information must be lawful. It must be unique and directly lead to a successful prosecution or an on the spot fine.
7. Council will decide on the prosecution action it will take.
8. The reward payment will only be made when all procedures and legal actions are complete. This includes appeals and payment of the fine by the dumper.

If you have any information regarding a rubbish-dumping incident, contact Blacktown City Council on 9839 6000, or download  illegal-rubbish-dumping.pdf  (100 kb)