Councils are cracking down on illegal dumpers polluting streets

NORTHERN DISTRICT TIMES: Local councils are spending thousands cleaning up streets due to illegal dumping from tree loppers.

Ryde Council is experiencing a spate of illegal dumping.

AN elderly lady has become the latest victim of brazen operators who illegally dump mulch to avoid the cost of having it properly disposed of and Ryde Council has spent almost $10,000 cleaning it up.

Councils across Sydney have found that the dumping of mulch has increased after the State

Government introduced its bush fire laws which have allowed the trimming of trees which are close to homes.

The most recent experience for Ryde saw a woman approached by a truck driver at her home in

North Ryde and asked if she would like some free mulch. She said she would like a couple of buckets for her garden and when she went to retrieve a bag for the mulch the man dumped three tonnes on her nature strip.

There have been seven incidences of tipping outside private properties in the last two months and four in carparks next to sporting venues.

Ryde Council is experiencing a spate of illegal dumping.

Ryde Council’s waste manager Jude Colechin said this was a vast increase on recent years.

“Illegal dumping is not only an ugly scar on our landscape, it is also very harmful to the native

environment that the council and community work so hard to preserve,” she said. “There are

unscrupulous operators who charge people to clear trees and garden organics then simply dump the refuse on public or private land.’’

Ms Colechin said tipping at a transfer station costs more than $200 per tonne so this is why the

drivers take the risk.

Some of the f illegal dumping.

Ms Colechin said council encouraged residents to report any incidents they witness and to

photograph numberplates and company names.

“ When somebody takes rubbish away from your property you remain legally responsible for it until it is properly disposed of at a licensed facility,’’ she said. “If somebody is transporting waste on your behalf make sure you keep records including details of the person who transported it and their vehicle, where the waste was taken and copies of any dockets or receipts.’’

Report any incidents of illegal dumping to 9952 8222.