Permanent and mobile CCTV cameras and patrols are being used by City of Greater Geelong Council to target illegal dumping in the community.
The Council says it is cracking down on illegal dumping, with six infringements valued at $2,178 recently issued to people caught dumping outside the Salvation Army’s Opportunity Shop in North Geelong.
CCTV is being used to identify offenders and monitor areas that are repeatedly targeted, it said in a statement today.
“We’re recording evidence in real time and the technology is getting increasingly sophisticated, so it’s not worth trying to get away with illegal dumping,” said Mayor, Trent Sullivan.
“Our crews are patrolling hot spots and issuing infringements for breaches of the Neighbourhood Amenity Local Law.
Deliberately leaving, tipping, or burying waste on private or public land is considered illegal dumping. This includes leaving items outside opportunity shops when they are closed, creating a burden on charities and volunteers.
Council’s CCTV network includes almost 100 cameras that operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The cameras are used by the City’s Local Laws team and Victoria Police to support community safety.
“Charities rely on people donating good quality items, so we don’t want them used as dumping grounds. Dumping is not donating. It’s a nuisance to authorities, charities, and the wider community,” said Councillor, Belinda Moloney.
The Council is investing $17.2 million in waste disposal and recycling in its 2022-23 draft budget.
