Two months after EPA Victoria and Wyndham City joined forces to crack down on illegal waste dumping, the hotspots targeted by the campaign remain waste-free.
In August, officers conducted snap inspections of building sites and skip bin operators around Tarneit and examined waste stockpiles along Doherty’s Road – a known dumping hotspot for construction and demolition waste – for evidence that could identify those responsible.
EPA and Council officers inspected 32 building sites and skip bin operators over two days, issuing 22 clean-up and intelligence gathering notices, and generating 18 leads to catch the offenders. Inspections, compliance and enforcement are continuing.
Wyndham City was the first in a statewide series of hotspot operations on high-risk dumping locations by the EPA Victoria-led Illegal Waste Dumping Taskforce. More hotspot locations will be announced in coming days.
Under Victorian law, anyone who generates or transports waste must ensure it is disposed of at an EPA-authorised facility, or face fines or prosecution.
EPA Executive Director of Operations Rachel Gualano said the operation’s focus was on stopping waste dumping at its source.
“Rather than waiting for the waste to end up in our parks and roadsides, we’re going to those who generate and transport the waste and making sure they’re doing the right thing.
“We’re also putting waste dumping criminals on notice that their actions will not go unnoticed or unpunished.”
Wyndham City Mayor, Mia Shaw, said the operation highlighted the importance of collaboration.
“Illegal dumping is not an issue Council can tackle alone. While we invest significant time and resources into preventing and responding to illegal dumping, operations like this highlight the value of working alongside EPA Victoria to protect our community and the environment.”
The operation also supported newly recruited EPA officer training and strengthened information sharing between regulators and local government.
EPA Victoria and its partners will continue targeted inspections, investigations and enforcement activities in areas most affected by illegal dumping.
Ms Gualano said the hotspot crackdowns strengthen efforts to detect and deter offenders and protect the community and the environment.
“Regulators are stronger working together, and we are sending a clear message to the waste-dumping criminals trashing our public spaces. We have zero tolerance for your activities, and we are coming for you.”
