A high number of complaints about dumped hard waste on local footpaths prompted an investigation by The Rural City of Murray Bridge.
An internal report identified several hotspots that General Manager Assets and Infrastructure Tim Tol said he believed could be reduced with a simple targeted service education campaign.
“One of the contributing factors we found were large items being put on footpaths at the end of lease agreements, without the Council being contacted to arrange collection,” he said.
“Of course when that happens the items just sit there until someone reports them to the Council as dumped rubbish – and not all people may be aware there are significant fines for illegally dumping rubbish on public land.
“Council does offer a free hard waste collection service for our community, but there are conditions attached to that service – the most important of which is the need to book a specific time and date with Orana for collection.”
To address the issue Council is rolling out an educational campaign to let people know all households are entitled to one free kerbside hard waste collection or one free tip pass per year – bookings are essential and conditions are available on the Council’s website.
Council is also introducing a more visible deterrent for dumping rubbish on footpaths by the use of Illegal Dumping Tape while investigations are conducted.
It is illegal to dispose of rubbish or unwanted household items in a public place without Council permission according to the Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 2016 – offenders risk being issued an expiation notice.
For more information about hard waste collection in The Rural City of Murray Bridge, or to book a collection, visit www.murraybridge.sa.gov.au/hardwaste or phone 8375 2060.