Residents creating real change in fight against illegal dumping
Published on 16 February 2023
Shoalhaven residents are saying enough is enough when it comes to illegal dumping prompting a sharp upturn in public vigilance and reporting.
Council has been asking residents to report illegal dumping of waste, such as used household items, old tyres, green waste or construction waste, by using the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Report Illegal Dumping (RID) webpage.
Shoalhaven’s use of the RID website is 73%.
Data from October, November and December 2022 showed that increased reporting directly led to a spike in clean up notices and infringements, with Council’s Rangers undertaking three times the amount of enforcement action.
James Ruprai, Shoalhaven City Council - Director of City Development said, “Shoalhaven is leading the state with reporting from residents. This is a significant achievement, and we’d like to thank residents for their help in keeping the Shoalhaven clean.”
“Greater vigilance and reporting from the community not only sees the prompt removal of waste from our bushland and beaches, but also allows rangers to put preventive measures in place,” he said.
“The increase in reporting means we have a clearer picture of where, when and what people are dumping illegally and provides greater support for ongoing investigations to find the perpetrators of these illegal acts,” said Director Ruprai.
Council encourages the community to stay vigilant and keep reporting by using the EPA Report Illegal Dumping (RID) webpage, with three easy steps - snap a photo, upload it to the RID webpage, and tag your location.
Photo: James Ruprai, Shoalhaven City Council - Director of City Development with the Ranger Services team.