Combating and preventing illegal dumping is now more important than ever after Council joined the Western Sydney Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) Squad recently.

Working across local government boundaries, RID squads use a strategic, coordinated approach to prevent illegal dumping while focusing on particular issues in their region.

Established in 1999, the Western Sydney RID squad also encompasses Blacktown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Penrith, The Hills and Blue Mountains council areas with work including:

• Identifying and patrolling illegal dumping hotspots;
• Investigating illegal dumping incidents and taking action against offenders;
• Organise clean-ups;
• Track down illegal landfills;
• Identify changes and trends in illegal dumping across a regional area;
• Deter community members from illegal dumping and educate them about the consequences; and
• Run joint compliance campaigns with the EPA, SafeWork NSW, NSW Police and other regulatory authorities.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, said Council’s membership will enable a greater crackdown on illegal dumpers.

“There is no excuse for illegal dumping and Council is taking a firm stance on catching those doing the wrong thing by joining the Western Sydney RID squad.,” Cr Fedeli said.

“Over the last two financial years we have had almost 3000 illegal dumping reports and our aim is to get that number down to zero as quickly as possible.

“I encourage any resident who sees somebody potentially dumping any waste on building sites, at parks or anywhere else in the community to contact Council.”

Western Sydney RID squad member Greg McCarthy said the addition of Camden Council will see a great increase in the area’s operation.

“The Western Sydney RID squad is focused on reducing illegal dumping whilst protecting people and the environment from illegally dumped waste,” Mr McCarthy said.

“Having Camden Council join the squad will further strengthen our strategic approach to combating illegal dumping within the region.”

For more information on how to report an illegal dumper, call 131 555 or visit Council’s website and search ‘Illegal Dumping’.