Spike in illegal rubbish dumps in Greater Dandenong streets
“Selfish” rubbish dumpers have targeted Greater Dandenong streets, discarding unwanted trash causing residents to be fed up with the ugly mess.
South East
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Greater Dandenong has fast become a hot spot for illegal rubbish dumps causing residents and traders to be fed up with the unsightly mess.
Offenders have targeted vacant blocks, nature strips and rural roads, dumping unwanted household items including couches, mattresses, chairs, fridges and trolleys.
Noble Park resident Brad Woodford said he regularly saw people discarding their trash on the streets.
“I probably see a new dump at least once a week,” he said.
“There is really no excuse for it … it is simply disrespectful to other residents and in some cases can cause safety risks to pedestrians and motorists.”
Mr Woodford said he confronted a woman in October last year when she dumped a number of items, including a sofa, near his house.
“After she had offloaded the items on the nature strip, she then proceeded to return back in the direction she came from, pushing the empty trolley,” he said.
“I approached her and attempted to ask her what she was doing but she basically ignored me and pretended she couldn’t hear me.”
City of Greater Dandenong councillor Lana Formoso said trash was being dumped across the municipality daily.
At a council meeting last month, Ms Formoso said rubbish was being left at 32 Stud Rd “every second of the day”.
“The moment we collect it there’s a new pile again,” she said.
“I know myself and my family are sick of seeing it and I’m sure that all the residents and visitors that come along Stud Rd daily are also sick of it.”
Director of business, engineering and major projects Paul Kearsley said the council was concerned with the increase of illegal dumping in the area.
“Our hot spot areas for dumped rubbish vary from residential and industrial areas with larger dumps along rural roads,” he said.
“Trolleys are predominantly dumped around streets that neighbour strip shops and shopping precincts.”
Mr Kearsley said council teams work “tirelessly” to keep the streets and public spaces clean and safe.
He said the council would soon launch a targeted campaign to remind residents of the fines that are handed out when people are caught dumping rubbish or organics unlawfully.
Offenders are prosecuted under the Environment Protection Act 1970 where fines exceed $6000.
But Mr Woodford said dumpers need to be hit with harsher penalties.
“Fines of several thousands of dollars and these need to be handed out unforgivingly and without exception,” he said.
“I can’t help but think that many people who engage in this type of activity know exactly what they are doing and aren’t simply unaware of the rules.
“I feel it is just lazy and selfish.”
There are two free hard-waste collections a year in Greater Dandenong.
