Individuals dumping rubbish face harsher on-the-spot fines around $1,800, but this could jump to more than $40,000 if the matter goes to court.
Changes to the Environment Protection Act 2017, which came into effect in July, boost the powers of local councils' Authorised Officers to issue tougher penalties for environmental offences like rubbish dumping.
Businesses also face tougher on-the-spot-fines up to $9,087, and if taken to court for more serious matters, they could face fines of up to $218,088.
Previously, the maximum on-the-spot fines councils could impose for individuals dumping rubbish was $361.
These changes commence as rubbish dumping in Brimbank has continued since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last financial year Council spent approximately $1 million investigating, enforcing and cleaning up illegally dumped rubbish.
It is hoped these new penalties will act as a deterrent for the minority of individuals and businesses who do the wrong thing.
Some examples of approximate penalties for dumping rubbish:
- Small items of litter, $360
- Kitchen refrigerator or mattress, $1090
- Caged trailer load of waste, $1,800
- Dangerous items like cigarette butts, $730
Residents who come across dumped litter can report the matter. A simple way is to go online at brimbank.vic.gov.au/report-it and Council will follow up the information provided.
Residents are also reminded that there are many ways that they can responsibly get rid of items they no longer want in their home.
That includes using Council's At Call Hard Waste collection service. This service is a way for residential properties to get rid of bulky hard waste and green waste. Residents receive one 'no charge' collection each financial year. Additional bookings are available at a cost.
Electric waste like televisions, computers, hard drives, printers, faxes, clean cardboard, paint tins and all types of batteries can be dropped off at Council's Resource Recovery Centre, in Keilor Park. Learn more about ways to responsibly dispose of items you no longer need at brimbank.vic.gov.au
Please note the Resource Recovery Centre is temporally closed in line with the Victorian Government restrictions and you can learn more at www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
Quotes to be attributed to Brimbank Mayor Cr Ranka Rasic:
"While the dollar cost of dumping rubbish in our community is shocking, the damage to our open spaces, environment and wildlife is also significant and impossible to measure fully.
"Actions like tougher penalties aimed at the minority of people doing the wrong thing will hopefully be a strong deterrent.
"I also urge the rest of our community to keep doing the right thing – recycle, donate items in good condition to charity, dispose of items you no longer need responsibly."
