Eyes On It: Illegal dumpers face huge fines as city of Canterbury Bankstown stares them down

Illegal dumpers in Canterbury Bankstown are in the line of fire with more feet on the ground to film and investigate them and their rubbish.

A pram left on Fairmount St, Lakemba a few months ago. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

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ILLEGAL dumpers in Canterbury Bankstown are in the line of fire with more feet on the ground to film and investigate them and their rubbish.

The council’s new campaign Eyes On It will aim to tackle the growing problem after they removed a massive 2,400 tonnes of rubbish in 15,000 separate incidents in 2017/18.

Members from Environment@Lakemba, Chester Hill Environment Group and Cleaner Greener Riverwood will link up with council and Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) officers to walk the streets in search of illegally dumped rubbish.

Rubbish on the streets in Lakemba. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

All dumped rubbish will be taped, labelled and investigated, followed by official action.

Another volunteer group, Cleaner Campsie, was started last year by concerned locals, Shyaama Sri and Isabella Whitington, who were fed up with the rubbish strewn all over their suburb.

Mayor Khal Asfour warned locals against putting items on the street without a pre-booked clean up, saying it is illegal and can attract a fine of up to $4,000.

“Illegal dumping is, unfortunately, a significant challenge faced by all councils, and requires considerable financial and staffing resources to manage,” Cr Asfour said.

“While it’s a minority doing the wrong thing, their actions lead to very ugly, messy, and unsafe conditions in our City.”

Rubbish found near the Lakemba station recently. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s very simple — you need to get rid of waste the right way,” Mayor Asfour said.

“Our residents can book two free council clean up collections each year, where we’ll collect

household furniture, metal appliances and even garden waste at a time that suits them.

“They can also drop their items at a local waste or recycling facility, or book a private collection.”

He said the council has teamed up with local environmental charity, The Bower, to provide a free collection and rehoming service for unwanted items that are still in good condition.

Mayor Asfour also encouraged residents who do the right thing to remain vigilant.

“If you see someone dumping rubbish, report it by calling Council on 9707 9000, or the RID Squad on 131 555,” Cr Asfour said.

■ Details: cb.city/antidumpingprograms

■ To book a council clean-up: cb.city/cleanup