Hawkesbury City Council held the first of several joint operations with the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and NSW Police on Thursday 18 August 2022, targeting heavy vehicles and illegal dumping in the Hawkesbury.
Authorities inspected 23 heavy vehicles and their information collected for further investigation in the blitz on Hawkesbury’s roads. Further blitzes are planned for coming weeks.
Hawkesbury City Deputy Mayor Barry Calvert said dumping was a serious blight on the community.
“Illegal dumping can have serious consequences for our local environment. It can lead to land contamination, destruction of bushland and degradation of plant and animal habitats,” Clr Calvert said.
“Contaminated waste, including chemicals and asbestos, can also be harmful to humans and animals.
“Please do the right thing for our environment and families, and dispose of waste sensibly and thoughtfully.”
On -the-spot fines can extend from $3,000 on-the-spot fines for individuals up to $15,000 for businesses. More serious infringements can extend up to $5 million and/or a jail sentence. Property owners who accept contaminated landfill will also bear the cost of removal, which can be very costly.
Waste is accepted at Council’s Waste Management Facility. Visit www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/for-residents/waste-and-recycling for details on fees and charges for waste disposal, and what waste is accepted.
Residents can also report dumping at www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/online-and-reporting-services or by calling Council’s customer service team at 4560 4444.
