BUILDERS WORKING TO END ILLEGAL DUMPING
Master Builders members report that the illegal dumping of waste is a problem that:
- increases the costs of waste management
- contaminates recycling
- causes hazards on site
- triggers wider littering of the local environment
Most illegal dumping is construction and demolition (C&D) waste dumped by unscrupulous trades, construction and waste companies. Some illegal dumping consists of household or commercial waste offloaded by uncaring or ignorant members of the public.
Master Builders WA are working with industry groups, security providers and enforcement agencies to prevent, clean up and pursue illegal dumping. To be part of the solution and reduce waste management costs, builders can:
- Take responsibility: Ensure they are not dumping on others by requiring trades and waste service providers to evidence certificates of disposal
- Show leadership: Discourage dumping by keeping a clean site with waste sorted and contained (casual dumpers see loose waste as an ‘invitation’ to dump)
- Take preventative action: Deploy signage and surveillance to discourage dumpers
- Engage services: Master Builders members can sign up to services to discourage dumping. http://meridianservices.com.au/news-events/do-you-need-help-protecting-your-building-site
- Build community support: Support the work of Keep Australia Beautiful volunteer Litter Reporters kabc.wa.gov.au/report-littering
- Take enforcement action: Report dumping to the Department of Environment Regulation: der.wa.gov.au/your-environment/reporting-pollution or phone 1300 784 782; or to the local council
The Department of Environment Regulation (DER) is responsible for investigating and prosecuting illegal dumping under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act). On conviction, the offence carries a maximum fine of $125,000 for corporations and $62,500 for individuals.
Read about successful illegal dumping prosecutions
The Smart Waste program is developing campaigns and connecting builders to the services they need to prevent or pursue illegal dumping. Click here to see our recent Home in WA segment on Illegal dumping on building sites.
