Councils and communities are facing ongoing issues with illegal dumping, leaving shire workers and locals to pick up the pieces of abandoned items, and pay the costs that come with it. 

The disappointing site of illegal and potentially dangerous dumping of waste has been found in cases across the Coonamble Shire Council, adding to a seemingly never ending challenge. 

Three recent incidents saw furniture dumped, fibro fall from a vehicle on the way to the local waste management facility, and the facility’s fence being cut to dump material suspected of containing asbestos.

“By state law, asbestos-containing materials cannot be accepted at any waste facility in Coonamble,” a statement from the Coonamble Shire Council said. 

Instead, the material can be accepted at Dubbo Waste Management Facility. 

“Each of these incidents indicates selfish disregard for the welfare of Country (our environment) and of our community, and it shames our community.”

The illegal dumpings match similar reports in communities around the Western Plains, who have taken to calling out the activity online.

In the third year of the Illegal Dumping Prevention Strategy 2022-2027, the EPA plans to ‘work with councils and public land managers to facilitate collaboration and enable place-based illegal dumping prevention approaches’.

Both Walgett and Bogan Shire have been involved in data collection on illegal dumping that will make them eligible for future grants to achieve this. 

In mid-2024, the plan involves commencing research and data collection to support reuse and recycling initiatives. 

The former prevention strategy which oversaw 2017-21, saw reports of illegal dumping climb during that five year period, although it is unclear whether that stems from an increase in illegal dumping or increased awareness to report that activity. 

Coonamble Shire Council has welcomed anyone with information to contact the rangers on 0427 255 881, while illegal dumping can be reported here.