Sydney continues to battle illegal dumping, which has further increased with the rising population and swarms of visitors. This unlawful practice harms the environment, local communities, and the economy.
The government has introduced several measures to combat illegal dumping and encouraged residents to support the enforcement agencies. You, too, can help by reporting these unwanted activities.
Fines in Sydney for Illegal Dumping
Those engaged in illegal dumping may face many consequences and pay stiff fines for unlawful waste disposal.
On-the-spot fines are punishable by the EPA with amounts such as $15,000 and $7,500 (if an authorised officer did not issue the notice). In contrast, corporations are fined $30,000 for the same offence.
Also, illegal dumping of a lesser degree is punishable with fines between $1,000 and $2,500 for unlawful dumping of sensitive areas. For the same offence, corporations are fined $5,000-$10,000.
Working with Aus Rubbish Removal means you avoid falling victim to these unnecessary fines, as we will get rid of your waste materials safely and legally. We offer same-day or scheduled prompt and reliable rubbish collection.
Illegal Dumping and Its Related Effects
Illegal dumping is the disposal of waste in unauthorised locations. Such waste ends up on the ground, road, land, or any other location without people’s permission.
Public Health and Environmental Hazards
Environmental Destruction: Waste materials illegally dumped will get sorted, filtered, and absorbed into the ground, mixing with water. That is not just harmful at a human level but is also detrimental to the ecosystem, particularly for plants and animals.
Health Hazards: Improper waste disposal will lead to leachate and pollution of underground water, which will eventually find its way through wells or tube wells into the same water we use for consumption. Besides, the foul smell will attract vermin, such as flies and rats, carrying diseases that pose health risks.
The government can use the funds to clean and rehabilitate the area, transferring the funds from other vital services for the community’s health.
NSW Legislative Target: The Waste Management Activities are governed by the Protection of the Environment Operations Act, 1997. Penalties are hefty when it comes to the illegal disposal of waste.
POEO Act provisions are enforced by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA). It also undertakes preventive measures against contraventions and informs the community about the proper waste disposal and management methods.
Residential Illegal Dumping Fines
Fines Related to the Lesser and More Serious Offences: Dumping in sensitive areas attract spot fines of $2,500. In contrast, $1,000 fines are handed out for dumping in public and private places, and serious offences attract penalties of up to $15,000.
Household Waste versus Hazardous Material: Illegal disposal of hazardous materials attracts up to $7,500 in charges from the EPA. Other authorities besides the EPA issue fines of $4,000. For corporates, however, the EPA charges $15,000 and $8,000, whereas other authorities besides the EPA issue the fine.
Maximum Fines for Major Offences: Individuals may face fines of up to $1,000,000 and either one-year imprisonment or a term of not more than seven years for willful illegal dumping. Another $500,000 fine applies to negligent waste disposal, which can lead to confinement for four years.
Corporations will face fines of up to $5,000,000 for willful illegal dumping, with a cap of $2,000,000 for the negligent.
Council vs EPA Enforcement: The local council helps tackle illegal dumping and directly acts on incidents within their authority.
On the other hand, the EPA is the chief governing authority in NSW waste management. The regulator also implements illegal dumping regulations under the POEO Act. It constructed a tiered system of penalties and fines customed to different extents of unlawful dumping violations.
Illegal Household Waste Penalty
Local councils and the EPA work together to combat illegal dumping and apply the correct penalties against illegal dumpers to promote proper waste disposal methods.
Examples of Residential Fines
On-The-Spot Penalty Notice: The charge fluctuates from about $250-$500 for small-scale dumping.
Serious Offences: This penalty will run into thousands for residents if large amounts of hazardous materials are dumped.
Commercial Illegal Dumping Fines
Types of Commercial Offences: Neglecting construction rubbish, waste from industries, or commercial dumping may financially harm businesses or companies that fail to deal with them properly.
Penalty Scales for Businesses: These are serious environmental offences, and the punishment must be commensurate. This tiered framework reflects the relative size of the impact and responsibility of commercial compared to individual citizens in ecological protection.
Persistent Offenders and Increased Penalties: Persistent offenders will attract higher court fines, particularly for companies that keep violating the law.
Examples of Commercial Fines
On-the-Spot Fines: Offenders can be fined $500 to $1,000 for smaller loads, based on local council regulations.
Serious Circumstances or Continuous Violations: Offenders may incur fines greater than $15,000 and possible prosecution.
Corporate Offences: Higher maximum fines of tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars will apply to corporations prosecuted in court.
Avoiding Illegal Dumping Fines
Safe and Legal Disposal: You can dodge paying considerable penalties by using council clean-up services, visiting approved recycling centres, or hiring licensed waste disposal services, like Aus Rubbish Removals.
Importance of Proper Documentation: Keep your receipts or records to prove your compliance regarding legal waste disposal.
Hiring Professional Disposal Service: Hiring a professional disposal service like AUS Rubbish Removals Services reduces environmental harm and ensures adherence to EPA’s waste disposal regulations.
Call us today at 0402 244 036 and get rid of your rubbish once and for all. We are available 24/7 and provide same-day service or schedule a collection at a time most convenient for you.
Benefits of Professional Rubbish Removal
Using a professional rubbish removal service has several benefits, including:
Prompt Same-Day Service: No need to use a skip bin or wait for the council cleanup to have your rubbish removed. Most professional rubbish removal services provide same-day pickup service.
Proper Sorting and Recycling Practices: Your rubbish won’t go to landfills instantly. They will be initially sorted and recycled, reducing materials that go to the tip.
Full Compliance with NSW Regulations: Hiring Aus Rubbish Removals to collect your rubbish gives you peace of mind and won’t worry about any liabilities. Moreover, you’re preventing the possibility of penalties for removing your waste.
Aus Rubbish Removals provides same-day rubbish removal services across North Sydney, Manly, Mosman, Sydney CBD, Chatswood, Willoughby, and Hornsby. Call us at 0402 244 036 for same-day collection, or we can schedule the pickup at your most convenient time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How are illegal dumping fines enforced in Sydney?
The EPA issues applicable fines for offenders of illegal dumping.
2. Can individuals face jail time for illegal dumping offences?
Depending on the severity of their offence, an offender may be imprisoned aside from the fines he needs to pay.
3. What happens if I see someone dumping rubbish?
Promptly report the incident to the NSW Government’s RID Online platform or contact your local council if you witness anyone dumping rubbish illegally.
4. Do penalties differ between councils in Sydney?
Even if the POEO Act have set standards for illegal dumping fines, local councils can impose their own.
5. Does hiring a professional rubbish removal service protect me from fines?
Hiring a professional rubbish removal service can protect you from penalties because they have the expertise and knowledge to navigate the regulations around proper waste disposal and the consequences of illegal dumping.
