Illegal dumping at the Pemberton Transfer Station

MEDIA RELEASE - Illegal dumping at the Pemberton Transfer Station

July 2016

The Shire of Manjimup is currently making enquiries into a large amount of glass, in the form of broken bottles, which was illegally dumped at the Pemberton Transfer Station.The careless act took place sometime in late June or early July.

A number of large wooden agricultural bins, which were filled with glass bottles and fragments, were spilt out over the ground. Each bin was approximately one cubic metre in capacity.

The incident took place out of normal operating hours. It is not known how access was gained to the transfer station, however it appears the person(s) had a key to one of the gate padlocks.

The incident is of concern for a number of reasons, including that access was gained without the proper authority of the Shire of Manjimup, the transfer station is not licensed to be a final destination for waste, the cost of cleanup will be significant, and the interruption to normal operations until the area has been cleaned up will be problematic.

Shire President Wade DeCampo expressed his disappointment in the selfish act, saying it is up to all of us as individuals to ensure that our waste goes to the right place, particularly if it is recyclable. "The community is very aware that glass is recyclable and we actually have a high rate to community uptake and participation in recycling activities. Ignorance is no excuse," said Cr DeCampo.

The Shire of Manjimup endeavours at all times to operate its waste facilities to the high standards required of it by the Department of Environment Regulation.

A high proportion of the bottles were labelled and the Shire is making enquiries regarding their origin and how they came to be illegally dumped.

-ENDS-

Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer

Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Coordinator Communication and Executive Support

Contact: 9771 7777

Contact for comment: Wade DeCampo, Shire President.

Contact: 0427 094 081