Council catching illegal dumpers red handed

This financial year council officers have tracked down the owners of 60 per cent of all rubbish that has been illegally dumped in the Mackay region.

Of the total one million litres of waste that has been found illegally dumped in the region, more than 583,000 litres have been linked to an offender, which is equivalent to 2915 wheelie bins of waste.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council used a variety of tactics to catch illegal dumpers in the act.

“We have hidden cameras in place to catch offenders in known hotspots, we track clues and details found in the rubbish that has been dumped, and the community helps us catch offenders by reporting sightings and photos of illegal dumping,” he said.

“What is most alarming is that the majority of the waste we find illegally dumped around the region are items that would fit into a general waste bin.

“We also regularly find dumped appliances like fridges and washing machines, which is disappointing as these items can be taken to the Incredable Resource Recovery Facility at Paget and they will be taken free of charge, even if they aren’t in working order.

“It is really upsetting that residents would rather trash our beautiful region than dispose of their rubbish the right way.”

Ratepayers also receive three free dump vouchers every six months with their rates notices to use at their preferred waste facility.

Council is encouraging residents to report the date, time, location and vehicle details of anyone they see illegally dumping rubbish in the region to 1300 MACKAY (622 529).