Byron locals asked to keep a look out for illegal dumping

Byron Council is asking the community to continue watching out for and reporting illegal dumping after three major incidents in the last month, including two asbestos dumps. 

‘We recently received reports of a pile of asbestos fibro sheeting that had been dumped in and around kerbside bins in the Byron Arts and Industry Estate,’ Council’s Resource Recovery Education and Compliance Officer, Zoe White, said.

‘We got in and cleaned it up immediately because of the potential threat to public health and safety.’

Asbestos was also dumped at The Byron Resource Recovery Centre, along with four fridges and a washing machine on Tyagarah Road.

These incidents are all under investigation thanks to reports from the community.

Those with information can report it via Council’s Resource Recovery Hotline, 1300 652 625.

The penalties for illegal dumping offences range from $4,000 to $1,000,000 and in the last financial year Council issued 34 relevant penalty notices.

‘We take illegal dumping very seriously and have surveillance cameras located in dumping hot spots around the Shire, as well as mobile cameras that we install at different times to catch people who are doing the wrong thing,’ Ms White said.

‘And with help from members of the public, who are our eyes and ears on the ground, we have a better chance to track down the offenders and fine them.

‘Dumping asbestos and rubbish puts our community and environment at risk and it is disrespectful, especially when we are offering a range of free or subsidised disposal options.’

The Byron Resource Recovery Centre cannot lawfully accept asbestos as it is a transfer site, however there are several facilities nearby which can be found on the EPA website.

Information on safe asbestos removal and disposal, trailer hire and free waste drop-offs is on Council’s website.