Government strikes back against industrial dumpers
Dodgy dumpers have been caught out, with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) reporting almost half its prosecutions for the 2011-12 year were to companies and individuals for illegal dumping incidents.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said there was also a 20 per cent increase in the number of notices being issued to companies and individuals for illegal dumping related incidents in 2011-12.
"We are re-investing the landfill levy to help councils manage rubbish, and part of that funding has been directed to detecting dodgy dumpers," Mr Smith said.
The environmental impacts of illegal dumping are significant. Run off from hazardous materials may contaminate land and water sources such as lakes, creeks and drinking water supplies. Dumped items can also create fire hazards.
EPA research indicates that dodgy dumpers cost councils on average $75,000 a year.
Mr Smith said the dumping of household waste, dumping at charities or large scale industrial dumping was disgraceful, and warned dodgy dumpers would be tracked down and punished.
"The EPA has assured me it has the information to be able to pinpoint problem sectors, target them with rigorous compliance and take enforcement action on those caught out."
In May this year the Coalition Government announced a $2 million plan to help charities fight back against the unfair burden of illegal dumping at their outlets.
Already 45,000 Victorians have registered with the EPA as litter reporters, with their actions leading to Litter Infringement Notices being served on drivers and passengers for throwing litter from a vehicle.
An increasing number of Victorians are also signing up for the EPA's Litter Reporting iPhone App to report litter being thrown from a vehicle.
Since its release last December, more than 4,000 Victorians have downloaded the iPhone App.
The EPA found 80 per cent of Victorians believe it is appropriate to impose fines on those that litter.
EPA Chief Executive Officer John Merritt said the EPA held a zero tolerance approach to illegal dumping. Offenders will be required to pay full clean-up costs as well as penalties imposed through the court system.
For the 2012-13 year, EPA's Strike Force will be actively targeting the construction, demolition and skip bin hire sectors. This will include 200 planned inspections of these types of businesses.
"Dumpers are increasingly being caught with EPA's enhanced intelligence gathering and expanded surveillance techniques," Mr Merritt said.
Penalties for illegal dumping range from $1,200 to $704,000 if the matter goes to court.
Report illegal dumping to EPA's Pollution Hotline by contacting 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842)
