The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale is being swamped by rubbish, leading the local government to call for the community’s vigilance to tackle the growing problem.
With shire staff responding to a concerning number of instances of illegal dumping throughout the 2023/24 financial year, shire president Rob Coales asked for community assistance to stop the havoc that’s being wreaked on the local bushland and wildlife.
“We live in such a beautiful area of Perth and its heartbreaking to drive through the shire and see mattresses, clothing, tyres, whitegoods and other bulk waste just littered through trees and even on the sides of the road,” he said.
“Not only does this divert our shire crews away from other tasks like upgrading local infrastructure or maintaining reserves, it also costs us dearly with more than $500,000 annually spent on responding to and disposing of illegal dumping.”
The shire hopes that its recent introductions of kerbside green waste collections and bookable bulk waste collections, will see a reduction in illegal dumping.
Bookings for the valet service began being taken at the end of May, with over 300 received so far.
The first collection days this week in Jarrahdale, Karrakup, Mundijong, Whitby and Byford were maxed out.
Phone bookings will continue to be taken until the online system is ready to go. To book a collection, phone the shire on 9526 1111 and select menu option 3.
“But we still need assistance from our community to report illegal dumping when they see it,” Mr Coales said.
Residents are encouraged to lodge a report of illegal dumping to the shire attaching photos and vehicle registration if it is safe to get these details. Report through sjshire.wa.gov.au/community/services/request-and-report-it/waste-and-recycling.aspx
