Council warns against illegal dumping

The fine for dumping waste can be as high as $6,000.

By Jamie Salter

Cardinia Shire Council is warning people against illegal dumping as Pakenham residents observe an increase in the amount of rubbish being dumped around the neighbourhood.

Dumped waste can be found across the suburb on Main Street, King Street and the intersection of the Princess Highway and Army Road.

On average, 1,500 to 1,600 dumped rubbish collections are actioned within Cardinia Shire each year.

Residents can book a hard rubbish collection with council two times a year, as well as additional paid hard waste collections.

A Cardinia Shire spokesperson said residents were encouraged to report illegal dumping to council or the Environmental Protection Authority.

“Council encourages residents to follow the hard waste process and only present acceptable items the weekend before their booked collection to ensure piles are not added to by others and are collected in a timely manner,” the spokesperson said.

They said council contributes to combating illegal rubbish dumping through public bin placement and maintenance, regular litter clean up and collection in parks, streets, stormwater system and waterways, litter education and communications as well as litter compliance and enforcement.

Council hosts several waste drop off events throughout the year to help residents dispose of household chemicals and green waste.

Anyone found dumping waste can be fined up to $6,000.

For more information on the hard waste service including acceptable items visit cardinia.vic.gov.au/hardwaste and for information about illegal dumping and how to make a report, visit cardinia.vic.gov.au/illegaldumping