Illegal dumping of waste is ugly, unsafe, potentially harmful to the environment and a costly problem for local Councils and their communities to clean up.
Dumping can take many forms, from putting household, business or dangerous waste into public litter bins to polluting bushland with garden weeds or other wastes.
Household and demolition waste are the most common types of illegally dumped items - both of which can be disposed of easily and responsibly through Kempsey Shire Council's waste management facilities. Many things like e-waste and scrap metal are accepted free like TVs and fridges.
Council has strategies in place to tackle illegal waste dumping including more covert cameras and Rangers but would like to receive more community support to tackle the problem.
Community members can do their bit to keep their neighbourhoods safe and clean by reporting illegal dumping to Council or via EPA's online reporting tool, RID online).
Council's Coordinator Waste Services, Gavin Hughes, said illegal dumping can attract on-the-spot fines of up to $4,000 for individuals and $8,000 for corporations with up to two years imprisonment for repeat offenders.
"Illegal dumping places a financial burden on Council and the community and can pose a public health risk," he said.
"Of particular concern is illegally dumped asbestos which poses a health risk to both the person who dumps it as well as the broader community.
"Illegal dumping also results in significant damage to the local environment, turning our beautiful natural areas into unhealthy and unattractive locations."
Residents are encouraged to use the many services and facilities available to manage waste including the mobile CRC trailer's free household problem waste collection, as well as Council's Waste Management Centre at Crescent Head Road and waste transfer stations at South West Rocks, Stuarts Point and Bellbrook.
