Illegal dumpers in line for fines

Published on 08 August 2024

Illegal dumpers are warned they will face fines for discarding rubbish on the sides of roads, in the city’s parks or any other public area.

Council’s Manager Environmental Regulation and Compliance Derek Poulton said illegal dumping was a disgraceful act that was not tolerated in Lake Macquarie City.

“Last financial year there were 1000 reported incidents across the city with more than 2000 tonnes of waste illegally dumped across numerous sites,” he said.

“That’s roughly 3000 wheelie bins worth of waste, which needs to be cleaned up and processed by Council at a cost to ratepayers.”

Asbestos, construction waste and tyres were among the most dumped items.

“Illegal dumping costs our community more than just dollars, it creates serious environmental and health risks, especially hazardous waste like asbestos,” Mr Poulton said.

"Disposing of asbestos and other waste items responsibly, no matter how small the amount, is the right thing to do.

“Illegal dumpers are warned that this is not something we take lightly, and you will be fined. Individuals face on the spot fines of up to $15,000 while corporations could be fined up to $30,000.”

There are many ways the community can dispose of waste responsibly.

Council provides a range of avenues to properly recycle or dispose of waste including the bookable bulky waste service, Chemical CleanOut days, Community Recycling Stations at Council facilities and the Community Recycling Centre at the Awaba Waste Management Facility.

Council’s A-Z Waste and Recycling Guide offers a comprehensive online guide for how to correctly dispose of waste items.

Residents are urged to report illegal dumping to the NSW Environment Protection Agency hotline by phoning 131 555.

Visit lakemac.com.au/A-Z-Guide for more information on correct disposal methods for commons waste items.

Recent incidents of illegal dumping

Summerhill Drive, Wangi Wangi
About 5kg of illegal dumped asbestos.
Total clean-up cost to Council: $725
Cost of legal disposal at Awaba Waste Management Facility: $25 (minimum charge)

Rathmines Park, adjacent to playground
About 3kg of illegally dumped asbestos
Total clean-up cost to Council: $725
Cost of legal disposal at Awaba Waste Management Facility: $25 (minimum charge)