A survey of 300 City of Sydney residents has revealed half did not know that leaving furniture on the kerb without organising a booked clean-up is considered illegal dumping and punishable with a fine.
The survey also showed that 55 per cent of respondents believed leaving furniture out was acceptable because someone else would re-use it, or the council would come and pick it up anyway.
The City offers a free and easy booked bulky waste collection service to residents as one its measures to combat illegal dumping.
Residents can book the service 52 times per year online at bookafreepickup.com or by calling the City directly on 02 9265 9333.
More than 13,000 tonnes of bulky waste has been collected as part of the free weekly clean-up service over the last three years. However, City resources have had to be used to clean up similar amounts of dumped rubbish over the same period.
Illegal dumping remains a major issue across the City of Sydney area, with 19,150 complaints about illegal dumping made in 2017.
“It’s so important that our streets are clean, hygienic and accessible for everyone, which is why the City has one of the most comprehensive cleansing and waste services in the country,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
“Our residents can access free bulky waste, mattress and white goods collections every week. In most other Sydney council areas, residents are only entitled to four booked clean-ups every year.
“Despite this, illegal dumping remains an issue. Many residents don’t realise that you cannot just leave furniture or waste out on the street in the expectation that either council will pick it up or a neighbour will take it home.”
In coming weeks, the City will send letters and brochures to residents advising of the free waste services available to them and the levels of fines for illegal dumping.
The City will also contact building managers and cleaners to notify them of these services, particularly as much of this waste is dumped when people move in or out of a property.
The City encourages residents to contain their waste to their bins, rather than leaving bags of rubbish beside their bin for collection. Residents can request a bulky waste clean-up rather than leaving loose bags on the street.
City rangers monitor illegal dumping hot spots and issued more than 1,145 penalty and warnings notices for illegal dumping in 2017.
To reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill, the City will introduce new waste services in 2019, including:
- A food waste collection trial
- A textile recycling collection trial
- A kerbside e-waste collection
- A community recycling centre.
Anyone concerned about illegal dumping in their neighbourhood are asked to contact the City on 02 9265 9333. For details, see bookafreepickup.com
For media inquiries or images, contact Alex Cauchi. Phone mobile 0467 803 815 or email acauchi@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, please contact Jack Begbie. Phone 0481 759 580 or email jbegbie@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au