A NEW illegal dumping campaign will encourage more people to report suspected offenders to Douglas Shire Council.
The “If You See It, Report It” campaign follows increased reporting and enforcement of illegal dumping towards the end of 2020.
Council staff will spend time visiting local schools next term to raise awareness and speak to students about the impacts of illegal dumping.
A social media video and increased promotion of the free disposal of non-gassed white goods at Council’s transfer stations will form a key part of the campaign.
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said household items, green waste, tyres, and car bodies were the most common types of illegal dumping.
“It is great to see many people calling out illegal dumping with increased reporting and awareness more recently compared to previous years,” he said.
“We want to build on that momentum and continue encouraging our community to stamp out the act of leaving rubbish around our pristine areas. Our message is if you see it, report it, because you can make difference.
“A recent phone call to our customer service team helped our officers find almost one tonne of rubbish which was left at three separate dump sites on the banks of the Daintree River.”
Douglas Shire Council is part of the State Government’s Illegal Dumping Partnerships Program which was set up to help Councils act on and prevent illegal dumping activities.
Since July last year, Council has recorded and investigated 94 incidents relating to littering or illegal dumping, including a 7-tonne find near Port Douglas which included car bodies, a mattress and household goods.
New signage was placed at the site and monitoring will continue. Other smaller dump sites have also been cleared and new signage placed as warning.
Residents can drop off all white goods for free, except fridges, freezers and air conditioners, which are charged a fee to cover the de-gassing cost.
Fridges, freezer and air conditioners are accepted at all transfer stations except Daintree Transfer Station.
Illegal dumping can attract fines of $2,018 for individuals and $6,301 for corporations.
If you need to report illegal dumping, please call Council on 4099 9444, email enquiries@douglas.qld.gov.au or visit here
ILLEGAL DUMPING FAST FACTS:
In Douglas Shire, the most prevalent forms of illegal dumping are:
- Household Waste 45%
- Green Waste 32%
- Car Waste 7%
Council spends more than $55,000 per year tackling illegal dumping issues.
