May 7th, 2023Call to report illegal dumping

The EPA is reminding Hepburn Shire residents and others across the state to report illegal dumping.

Whether it’s furniture, rubbish or building rubble, illegal waste dumping damages the environment, it’s a risk to our health and it is expensive to manage, the Environmental Protection Agency says.

In Victoria, it is illegal to dump or bury any kind of waste at a location that isn’t licensed to accept it. This includes private land. Some people damage our environment and risk the health of our community to avoid taking their waste to an appropriate place.

Contaminated soil, asbestos and building rubble are often dumped to avoid paying waste levies. Materials like these can be a severe health risk, even if they appear harmless. Dumped tyres and other materials can also pose a fire risk, which can release harmful chemicals.

Residents of Hepburn Shire are being encouraged by the Hepburn Shire Council to check out the EPA’s website to learn the real cost of illegal dumping. Those who have seen what they suspect is illegally dumped contaminated waste are being urged to report it to EPA Victoria online or call 1300 372 842.