Earlier this year, we received a tip from a community member that large amounts of building waste had been dumped in two locations along Tuerong Road. Our Litter Prevention Officers inspected the dumped waste and began investigations. They were able to trace the waste back to a builder, who had paid another business to dispose of the rubbish on their behalf.
Our officers immediately reached out to Victoria Police for their assistance. Shortly after, two people were interviewed after returning to the building site with the intention of removing more waste, and potentially committing further dumping offences. One person made full admissions to illegally dumping waste in Tuerong.
As a result of this investigation a Cranbourne man was instructed to remove the dumped waste and dispose of it legally. The same man was also issued with two infringements totalling almost $3,700.
Dumping rubbish is illegal. Legitimate waste removal businesses factor the cost of disposing of your waste legally into the amount you are being charged. With more and more companies and individuals advertising cheap rubbish removal services on social media and the like, illegal dumping is rife. As with most things, if it sounds too good to be true, it very likely is! When hiring someone to remove rubbish for you, you have the right to know how it is disposed of.
Questions to ask:
"Where and how will you be disposing of my waste legally?"
"Can you send me a copy of the receipt once you have disposed of the waste legally?"
It is a serious offence and breach of the Environmental Protection Act 2017 to illegally dump waste in the Shire. Offenders can be prosecuted in the Magistrates Court of Victoria where fines in excess of $9,000 may apply and a conviction recorded.
Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Steve Holland:
"The "Dob in a Dumper" function on our website continues to deliver positive outcomes for our community and helps us protect our beautiful Mornington Peninsula.
"In the 23-24 Budget, we have prioritised our waste services. Illegal dumpers will face increased compliance action. For our residents, we've increased tip vouchers from three to four, increased no-charge green waste events from two to four per year, and added tyres, fridges and mattresses to the list of items that are free to drop off at the tip."
