COUNCIL has a special message for litterers and rubbish dumpers – your life just got a whole lot harder as it now has a special officer gunning for you.
The new Compliance and Enforcement Officer has been patrolling the Hawkesbury, investigating littering and dumping, so your chances of being caught have skyrocketed.
Penalties for dumping can be between $500,000 and $1,000,000 and in some cases, prison sentences, depending on whether it is intentional or negligent.
Finable offences include roadside dumping, general littering and even putting junk on the kerbside without having a scheduled collection booked. Residents paying for garbage collection are entitled to one free pickup a year, but mustn’t put out their junk until they book it, and then not until 24 hours before the pickup.
Landlords also have to watch when tenants vacate premises, often emptying out their unwanted items onto the roadside, leaving the property owner responsible if the tenant can’t be found.
On the spot littering fines of $250-$450 apply for individuals or $500-$900 for businesses. Roadside dumping carries on the spot fines of $4000-$8000.
The new officer position was made possible by a partnership with NSW EPA. For more information or to report littering, dumpers or pollution, call the EPA on 131 555 or visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au.