Wrong waste can result in big fines

Bunbury residents could be faced with big fines if they put the wrong waste in their rubbish bins.

Under new laws set to be adopted by Bunbury City Council tonight residents could be hit with fines of up to $500.

However, while the new Waste Local Law outlines what some councillors have described as “huge” penalties, Mayor Gary Brennan said the policy was needed to bring council legislation “up to speed”.

He said the council would not be going around “pinging” people.

“It’s just addressing that we had some gaps which weren’t covered by legislation and should we need to use the legislation to enforce or seek compliance,” Mr Brennan said.

“We’re not going to go around pinging people — for want of a better word — for improper use, it’s more about educating people.

“Basically the issue is, people just need to read the bin lids to see what you can put in this bin and what you can’t.”

The new policy has been endorsed by the Department of Environment Regulation and will replace the council’s Health Local Law.

The number of offences listed in the policy could result in penalties ranging between $50 and $500.

Putting the wrong waste in a general, recycling or organic bin could attract a $350 fine.

Putting “non-collectable” waste such as explosives, sewage or gas cylinders in a bin or putting waste in a neighbour’s bin without permission could also result in $350 fines.

The new policy comes as the council praised residents following an audit in May.

A waste services team inspected more than 5000 recycling bins for contamination, with 400 stickered and the resident advised to call the council before their bin was collected.

It is expected the council will continue to use what Mr Brennan described as “pretty powerful” education methods to phase in the new policy.