Published on Monday, 24 July 2023 at 7:27:38 AM
Community members are being urged not to illegally dump asbestos at the tip or risk being fined.
City of Greater Geraldton Acting Chief Executive Officer Chris Lee said illegally dumping asbestos can have both severe and costly consequences.
“Over the weekend three piles of illegally dumped asbestos were found at various locations at the Meru Waste Facility,” he said.
“These irresponsible actions could endanger the health of other facility users and Meru staff who now have to recover this hazardous waste.
“The removal of the illegally dumped asbestos, and the remediation of the site, also comes at a very high cost to the City.”
Residents and businesses are required to pay $21.50 for up to 100kgs or $183/tonne for correct disposal of this hazardous material at Meru.
“Attempting to avoid these fees by hiding asbestos in other piles of rubbish is unacceptable,” Mr Lee added.
The City is currently reviewing CCTV footage of the areas where the asbestos was illegally dumped to identify those responsible and issue infringements.
The fines for individuals caught illegally dumping asbestos can be up to $5,000 and commercial businesses up to $25,000.
For more information on identifying asbestos, health risks, safely removing it and what to do if you find asbestos go to the following websites: Department of Health and Asbestos Awareness
Picture Caption: Asbestos sheets illegally dumped at the Meru Waste Facility.
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