By BRIDGET SCOTT
AS THE issue of rubbish dumping continues to plague the City of Casey, the council has revealed how much it spends on rubbish removal.
Following the removal of more dumped goods from Thompsons Road in Cranbourne last week, the council has said it spends about $80,000 per year on collecting and disposing of about 3000 tonnes of illegally dumped rubbish.
The council said the money spent on this waste removal would be better spent on roads, parks and community buildings.
City of Casey Manager for Waste and Recycling Michael Jansen said that dumped rubbish and litter continues to be a problem facing Victorian communities, councils and the Environment Protection Authority.
He also identified commercial operators as some of the main offenders.
“Council actively investigates offenders and enforces infringements through the Environment Protection Act and council’s local laws,” he said.
“In the last 12 months, council has responded to over 1200 litter investigations and issued more than $66,000 in fines.
“While this doesn’t come close to covering the cost of waste collection, it is a clear deterrent to would-be dumpers and sends a strong message that illegal dumping will not be tolerated in Casey.”
He said dumped rubbish locations within the City of Casey can often be semi-rural areas, building sites and new estates, each of which are “proactively targeted”.
“Some improvements have been identified in some of these locations, but ongoing monitoring is required,” he said.
Mr Jansen suggested a number of ways in which people can legally dispose of their waste, including using a transfer station or private waste collection company.
Casey residents can also book a council hard waste collection twice a year by calling 9729 9100.
The council encourages residents to report illegal dumping by contacting it on 9705 5200 or using the online litter report form at www.casey.vic.gov.au/litterreport.
On-the-spot fines for depositing litter range from $295 to $1771 and the penalty for dropping a lit cigarette is $590.
