The warning comes after a Bow Bridge (near Denmark) woman was fined $4,500 and ordered to pay $788.30 costs for dumping household waste at a rest stop at Parryville (between Walpole and Denmark) on four separate occasions.
On 31 August 2022 in the Albany Magistrates Court, Annette Marie Van Nus, 53 years old of Bow Bridge, pleaded guilty to four charges under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 related to illegal dumping.
The offences took place on 9 June 2021, 10 June 2021, 11 June 2021 and on 3 August 2021. On each occasion Ms Van Nus dumped household waste in and around a public litter bin at the roadside rest stop. The overflowing waste was scattered throughout the immediate area by wind and animals.
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation Senior Manager Waste Operations, Matt Warnock said dumping household waste at rest stops put wildlife and the environment at risk.
“In this case, it would have been evident that the rubbish being dumped was spreading into the environment, but the offender kept doing it,” he said.
“People using roadside rest stops need to be aware the rest areas are monitored, and if they illegally dump waste, they can expect a substantial penalty.”
“Roadside bins are provided for small items of waste commonly generated during road trips. They are not provided to take accumulated household waste. People who need to dispose of significant amounts of waste should use an authorised waste facility.”
Anyone who witnesses illegal dumping is asked to call the department’s Pollution Watch Hotline on 1300 784 782, email pollutionwatch@dwer.wa.gov.au or call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
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