Dumping is Rubbish: It Takes a Village to Remove a Mattress

By Elizabeth Macdonald - Sustainable Waverley on December 12, 2018 in Other

Many of us move to (or never leave) this ‘hood because it’s pretty awesome. Friendly people, great food, world famous beaches – what’s not to like? However, if there is one complaint we hear more often than others, it would have to be about the dumped rubbish that litters the kerbsides and streets.
These piles of unwanted household stuff are costly to clean up, often unsafe and they’re a blight on our stunning natural surroundings. Items can also end up in our parks and waterways, playing havoc with wildlife.

There are ways we can all pitch in and make it second nature to keep our streets clean. Check out the facts and tips below. After all, it is our home.

DUMPING IS ILLEGAL (AND IS SUBJECT TO FINES)

When dumping happens frequently in an area, it unfortunately sends out a message to newer residents that this sort of thing is tolerated by the community. It’s not. Yet sadly, like attracts like, and before you know it one lonely chair becomes a full-fledged dining room set. Over summer, Waverley Council will have extra patrols to investigate and fine illegal dumpers, and you can help.

REPORT A DUMPER ONLINE

Sharing photos, locations and information about dumping incidents at ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au will help our investigators nab offenders. Even small leads can help crack a case and help us deal with those who either don’t know or don’t care that dumping is illegal (and ugly).

SHARE IT BETTER

Items left on the street are more likely to end up sharing space in landfill than decking out the neighbour’s living room. Get- ting rid of unwanted household goods is as easy as one-two-free! Facebook swap groups, Gumtree and other free-to-use online marketplaces can quickly ensure a better afterlife for once treasured belongings. You can also donate good quality furnishings to the Bower Reuse & Repair Centre, or other charities.

BOOK A FREE CLEAN-UP

If your household goods are truly unusable or unrepairable, booking a free bulky items collection is the way to go. Households can book two free pick-ups a year with Waverley Council. How’s that for service? All you have to do is call Customer Service on 9083 8000, then follow their simple instructions.

KEEP YOUR STREET TIDY

In Japan it’s customary to take care of your street, and it’s nice to see this attitude across our community as well. Every time you pick up litter and put it in the bin you’re helping keep our place beautiful and reducing the likelihood someone else will consider it an opportune dumping ground.
Thanks for doing good for our ‘hood! We wish you all a safe and sustainable festive season.

Reporting online helps us track and investigate illegal dumping and it’s easy using ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au. For more information on waste and recycling, go to waverley.nsw.gov.au/waste.