Several residents are up in arms over people dumping on their parade — literally.
One resident, who wishes to remain nameless, put out goods on the outer edge of his front garden for a scheduled Council collection.
Before it was collected, under the cover of darkness, someone dumped several tyres onto
the pile.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has very clear guidelines on what cannot be collected — and tyres are at the top of the list.
In this case, the resident had to then take the tyres to the dump to dispose of them — and paid to do so, to boot.
“The person disposed of their three old car tyres by adding them to our household clean-up items awaiting Council collection on our front lawn,” the disgusted
resident said.
“Of course Council did not collect the tyres and I was left with them to take to the dump and pay for the privilege of disposing them for you [dumper].”
The Independent has been contacted by three other residents recently with similar complaints.
Council said it has a dim view on illegal dumping.
There is a $200 on the spot fine for individuals and $400 for
a corporation.
Court action can also
be taken.
Council’s Team Leader Ranger Services, Ian Chetcuti, charged with waste disposal compliance says, while it is difficult to monitor illegal dumping, community vigilance and reporting goes a long way toward addressing
the issue.
Illegal dumping of waste in bushland and on reserves can result in prosecution and attract significant fines.
The annual kerbside bulky household waste collection, available to all ratepayers,
is a Council program that aims to significantly reduce
illegal dumping.
The first pick-up is free, while any additional pick-up during the same year incurs a small fee
of $30.
Items for collection include household junk, furniture, bedding, white goods (such as washing machines, fridges), electrical appliances and any item able to be lifted by two people.
This program is compromised, and can be a costly exercise for the householder, when kerbside collections are used to dispose of prohibited items including builder’s waste, bulk motor vehicle parts, greenwaste (should go in the green bin), household garbage (should go in the red bin), tyre and industrial or farm waste. These items can be taken to any Council waste transfer station, Mr Chetcuti said.
“We often receive phone calls from residents who have done the right thing by only placing accepted items out for kerbside collection only to find that neighbours and passers-by add to it, often with prohibited items,” Mr Chetcuti said.
“Incidents such as these should be reported to Council. Preventative measures such placing kerbside items out as close as possible to the scheduled pick-up will minimise opportunities for
illegal dumping.”
Council asked that anyone who sees people illegally dumping or who has information which can identify offenders, please
contact Council.
Go to http://www.hastings.nsw.gov.au/www/html/4251-bulky-goods-kerbside-collection.aspto learn more.
