Man fined $20,000 for illegally dumping tyres across areas north of Adelaide

A man has been convicted and fined for driving into SA’s regional areas and dumping tyres he offered to remove from private property.

Councils are getting tyre-d of illegally dumped tyres in their regions. Picture: Facebook

A man who offered a service to remove old tyres from private properties and then illegally dumped them north of Adelaide has been fined more than $20,000.

Light Regional Council and the Adelaide Plains Council prosecuted Para Hills man Samuel John Durante in the Environment, Resources and Development Court for illegally dumping the tyres in their areas.

Judge Michael Durrant of the ERD court found Mr Durante had been using social media platforms to offer paid removal services for old tyres on private property.

Judge Michael Durrant found Durante guilty of multiple counts of illegal dumping. Picture: AAP / David Mariuz

Judge Durrant found once payment was received from landowners, Mr Durante would subsequently illegally dump the tyres in the public realm, causing “environmental harm” and “unsightly nuisance to the community”.

Judge Durrant found the behaviour exhibited showed a “disregard for the law” and recorded convictions for his offending.

Mr Durante was found guilty of four counts of illegal dumping and following his conviction, was fined $12,000, ordered to pay $6000 in compensation for clean-up costs and required to pay $3000 in prosecutions fees.

Mr Durante was ordered to pay roughly $21,000 in fees and fines following his convictions.

Both councils emphasised as prosecuting authorities they remained committed to “protecting the environment from such environmental harm”.

The councils also warned the public “dumping of any material by people who disregard the law is costly and environmentally damaging”.

The community was urged to remain vigilant and ensure persons or businesses who they engage in services from are “genuine” and comply with their lawful obligations.

Members of the public are encouraged to contact crime stoppers to report any instances of illegal dumping.

It comes after a recent dumping incident in the Playford Council region sparked outrage on social media.