Cumberland residents are being urged to keep streets clean and dob in a dumper after a surge in levels of illegal dumping since lockdown began.
"While many residents and businesses do the right thing, illegal dumping is happening across Cumberland," said Mayor Steve Christou.
"Council has had 915 cases of illegal dumping in the past month, the highest the numbers have been since July 2019 and it's just not acceptable.
"We don’t want to fine people up to $8,000 for illegal rubbish dumping but the reality is cleaning up illegal dumping comes at an expense to Council and ultimately ratepayers.
"We know that many people are spring cleaning during the COVID-19 pandemic, so if you’re a Cumberland resident, cleaning out your house and wanting to dispose of unwanted goods, please take advantage of our four free Council collections per year for up to two cubic square metres of items.
"Council has identified hotspots across the LGA and we have Regional Illegal Dumping Squad Officers patrolling selected zones including Auburn and Merrylands.
"Council rangers are also responding to reports of illegal dumping which will incur hefty fines if the offender can be identified.
“Council works closely with residents in the community to help them understand their obligations and the Council services that are available to remove unwanted items.”
“I strongly believe that keeping streets clean and green is everyone’s responsibility and it’s certainly not something Council can do alone,” Mayor Christou said.
"This is our home and it's our duty to look after it."
If you want to get rid of unused items and you are unsure of what can and can’t be recycled, Council has dedicated resource recovery officers who can assist you and provide information and advice.
The app to book a free Council collection can be accessed via Council’s website at: https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/environment/waste-and-recycling/book-council-clean-up
Council collections and illegal dumping can be reported to Council by calling 02 8757 9000.