Members of the public are being asked to report illegal dumping in their communities, after the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) recorded a 34 per cent increase in illegal dumping last month compared to April 2019.
Minister for Environment Matt Kean said illegally dumped waste can harm our health, pollute the environment and cost millions of dollars in taxpayer money each year to clean up.
"Most people do the right thing and book in a waste pick up service with their council or sell items in good condition through online forums, but some don't," Mr Kean said.
"Leaving waste on the kerbside without contacting your council could be illegal dumping and cost thousands of dollars in fines."
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) recorded a 34 per cent increase in illegal dumping last month compared to April 2019, reported to the RIDonline database used by NSW councils and government agencies to record and manage illegal dumping incidents.
Reports to the RIDonline database which is used by NSW councils and government agencies to record and manage illegal dumping incidents of dumped household waste were up 42 per cent, green waste and mulch rose by 30 per cent.
Book a waste collection in with your local council, but if your next collection is not for a while, store your unwanted goods safely until they can be disposed of.
COVID-19 is also putting stress on charity stores and volunteers. If your local op shop or charity bin is closed, don't leave your donations outside. Look for an alternative nearby, or revisit when the store is open.
Goods left outside op shops and charity bins often become waste, costing charities to clean up and dispose of.
"If you spot illegal dumping in NSW, you can report it online or to your local council," Mr Kean said.
The NSW Government is working with councils and waste operators to keep critical waste services open during COVID-19.
