That’s the message from Muswellbrook Shire Council after officers recently celebrated three successful prosecutions.

On-the-spot fines for illegally dumping range from $750 to $1500 for individuals and $1500 to $5000 for corporations.

And, those penalties can be substantially more if court action is taken.

“So far, our strike rate is 100 per cent,” council’s regulatory services manager Trina Holmes said.

“In a short period of time, the combined effort of two sections of council has paid off.

“We’re working hard to prevent the shire’s bushland and natural areas from becoming a dumping ground.

“Our officers have been implementing an audit of hotspots in Muswellbrook and Denman in an attempt to deter illegal dumpers, by detecting and prosecuting them.

“Not only are the offenders fined, they are forced to clean up as well.

“So, it’s double the penalty.”

Ms Holmes said no stone would be left unturned in their pursuit of catching “dumpers”.

“Recently, the regulatory services section investigated three cases of illegal dumping, which resulted in successful prosecutions,” she told the Chronicle.

“Illegal dumpers need to know that we are well-equipped to detect this activity.

“We’ll also follow it up as a high priority.”

Council’s environment manager Craig Flemming added to Ms Holmes’ sentiments.

“Illegal dumping – which incorporates green waste, grass clippings, 44-gallon drums, whitegoods, furniture, children’s toys, medical items – is not only a financial burden to the community but a public health risk,” he said.

“It also results in significant damage to the local environment, turning our beautiful natural areas into unhealthy and unattractive sites.

“People should make use of the many services and facilities council offers to manage waste.

“That includes kerbside collections for bulky and organic waste, e-waste drop-off days, as well as our Waste Management and Transfer Facilities.”

Council is urging residents to report incidences of illegal dumping, particularly if people have details on the time the dumping occurred, a description of the dumper and/or vehicle used and, if possible, the registration number.

“We want everyone to be more vigilant,” Ms Holmes said.

“Otherwise, it will cost ratepayers to remove the items.

“We had a $40,000 bill to clean up a dumping site earlier this year – that’s unbudgeted money council has to find.”

For more information or to report illegally dumped rubbish, phone council on 6549 3700.