Tough new laws for illegal dumping

The Victorian government is cracking down on illegal dumping, urging tradies, companies and households to ensure the correct disposal of waste.

Speaking yesterday (August 23), state minister for environment and climate change Ryan Smith said in the 2011 to 2012 year, illegal dumping incidents soared by 20 per cent.

Mr Smith warned dodgy dumpers would be prosecuted by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), with penalties ranging from fines of $1,200 to $704,000.

The EPA's strike force will be targeting the skip bin hire, demolition and construction sectors during the 2012 to 2013 period, including 200 inspections carried out at businesses across the state.

Mr Smith commented: "The EPA has assured me it has the information to be able to pinpoint problem sectors, target them with rigorous compliance and take enforcement action on those caught out."

Illegal dumping of hazardous materials has a harmful effect on the environment, with run-off potentially contaminating land and water sources.

John Merritt, chief executive of EPA, said illegal dumpers were not dealt with lightly, receiving tough penalties as well as being responsible for clean-up costs.

"Dumpers are increasingly being caught with EPA's enhanced intelligence gathering and expanded surveillance techniques," he explained.