A crackdown is on the horizon for illegal rubbish dumping in Parramatta – an issue that costs ratepayers over $200,000 a year.
Illegal rubbish dumping, despite carrying hefty fines, has become a common site for the city, particularly around high rise apartment buildings.
City of Parramatta Councillor Sameer Pandey recently submitted a Notice of Motion, which was endorsed, to look at new ways to tackle the growing concern.
He says illegal dumping is leaving the region looking like a tip.
“This issue is causing our ratepayers substantial costs every year,” he said.
“Just in the tipping fee we pay around $200,000 a year.
“Illegal dumping is not only untidy and expensive but has health and safety implications as well; it’s a real snowball effect.”
Cr Pandey suggests an education program and warning period, followed by an infringement crackdown.
As it stands, Council investigates all reports of illegal rubbish dumping in line with the NSW Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act).
In the last 12 months, Council issued 11 fines related to the NSW POEO Act.
Six of these were issued to corporations and the other five to individuals.
A City of Parramatta Council spokesperson said Council is in the process of developing a long-term strategy to manage illegal dumping, including public education, and increased monitoring and enforcement.
“When illegal dumping is reported, it is often residents placing their rubbish out for organised pick-up too early,” the spokesperson said.
“In these instances, Council rangers ask residents to remove the rubbish from the street and advise them of the earliest date that it should be put out for collection.
“This ensures further rubbish is not added to the pile and surrounding residents are not encouraged to also put rubbish on nature strips.
“Individuals and corporations found to be responsible for illegal dumping will be asked to remove the rubbish or face fines in excess of $500.”
City of Parramatta Council Council provides residents with four free clean-up services each year.
Cr Pandey said the issue with apartment blocks is these clean-ups are supposed to be organised through strata, which creates a backlog.
To book a clean-up, visit https://bit.ly/2TWCf1i.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.