Green waste dumping spikes

Published: 02 Apr 2019

Council has noticed an increase in green waste being carelessly dumped around the region.

The amount of green waste (as a percentage of the total type of waste found dumped in 2018) is now almost equal to household waste – 32 per cent compared to 33 per cent respectively.

Cr Karen May said it was disappointing that illegal dumping continued to be a burden on ratepayers.

“Green waste consists of things like grass clippings, palm fronds, plants and weeds,” she said.

“It can have negative environmental impacts, such as spreading weeds that compete with native plants, contaminating waterways, blocking drains, and it can also serve as fuel for bushfires.”

In the previous year, green waste accounted for 19 per cent of all waste dumped and it has now risen to 32 per cent.

“It is disappointing that green waste and household waste account for the large percentage of total waste dumped around the region, as this type of waste could easily be disposed in residents’ general waste bins,” Cr May said.

Other waste items found dumped around the region in the 2018 included building waste (six per cent), tyres (five per cent) and trailer and car parts (five per cent), among other things.

Residents are issued with three free dump vouchers with their rates notices, so there is no excuse for illegal dumping.

To report illegal dumping please, contact council on 1300 MACKAY (622 529).