Illegal dumping of rubbish is bad for the environment, bad for the pocket and bad for tourism potential.
The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA) has released RIDonline, an illegal dumping reporting portal which can be used to report incidents of illegal dumping quickly and easily, it is can be downloaded to any smart device (phone or tablet).
Ali Bigg, Coordinator of MIDWASTE explains: ”Submitting a report is really quick and easy. Simply visit ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au upload a photo or photos of the dumping, confirm your location on the map and enter a few details like type of material and size of the dump. It only takes a few minutes and your contribution could increase the chances of illegal dumpers being caught. RIDonline can also be accessed via the ‘Report to EPA App’.”
Currently MIDWASTE, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Forests Corporation (Mid and North regions), National Parks and Wildlife (Lower North, Macleay and Upper North), Kempsey Shire Council, Gloucester Shire Council, Coffs Harbour City Council and Bellingen Shire Council are working together to collect and collate data on the quantity and type of illegal dumping in the region.
From the data a strategic clean up and prevention campaign will be developed. Accurate and comprehensive data is required and the public can help by downloading the Report to EPA App and report any illegal dumping via RIDonline.
Coffs Harbour City Council Mayor, Denise Knight said, “The Report to EPA App will provide a great tool to help manage illegal bumping in the Coffs Harbour LGA [local government area]. Preventing this sort of behaviour and reducing illegal bumping enhances the environment in which we all enjoy living.”
This project is a NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the waste levy.
