Asbestos left at eight sites around Sydney by notorious dumper, court hears

SYDNEY’s most notorious waste dumper Dib Hanna has pleaded not guilty in court to eight charges of allegedly dumping asbestos on private properties.

A photo shows the amount of rubbish dumped by Dib Hanna in Picnic Point.

SYDNEY’s most notorious waste dumper Dib Hanna has pleaded not guilty in court to eight charges of allegedly dumping asbestos on private properties.

Hanna faced the NSW Land and Environment Court today after being arrested and extradited from Victoria to face the alleged illegal dumping offences brought by the NSW Environment Protection Authority.

The charges relate to illegal dumping of waste, including asbestos waste, on private properties in western Sydney in 2015 and 2016.

Serial dumper Dib Hanna leaves in his tip truck outside his home in Colyton.

Each of Hanna’s eight repeat waste offences carries a maximum penalty of $250,000 and/or two years’ imprisonment.

Victoria Police arrested Mr Hanna on Tuesday and was extradited back to NSW.

It is the first time a person has been extradited in relation to alleged environmental offences.

As Mr Hanna failed to attend court on several previous occasions, a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Each of Hanna’s eight repeat waste offences carries a maximum penalty of $250,000 and/or two years’ imprisonment.

EPA CEO Mark Gifford said illegal dumping was an environmental crime.

“I would like to thank NSW and Victoria Police for their co-operation and assistance in bringing Mr Hanna before the Court so he can face these serious charges,” Mr Gifford said.

“The NSW EPA takes illegal dumping very seriously.

“This crime creates an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment.”

An individual can be fined up to $1,000,000 and receive a seven-year prison sentence for wilful dumping offences, and $500,000 or a four-year prison sentence for negligent offences.

There are also on the spot fines that apply for illegal dumping — up to $7500 for an individual and $15,000 for a company.

Hanna was remanded in custody until next Wednesday, when he is expected to apply for bail.