A 12-month trial to track the movement of vehicles suspected of illegal dumping was launched by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) after an investigation last year.
The EPA can track the vehicles’ movements and be aware if they travel near known illegal dumping hotspots.
The GPS trackers were fitted to the vehicles with the owners’ knowledge. It is illegal for the trackers to be tampered with or removed.
Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton said the government is serious about cracking down on illegal dumpers.
“The trial results show the trackers fitted to vehicles has deterred illegal activity,” Ms Upton said.
“It won’t just deter those being watched but others who think they can get away with dumping on our communities and environment.”
The trial will assist with one of the Premier’s Priorities, to reduce the volume of litter in NSW by 40 per cent, by 2020.
Once the trial is complete, the EPA will consider using tracking devices to monitor other vehicles accused of transporting or dumping waste unlawfully.
In 2014, the government introduced new laws, including the power to install trackers onto vehicles and the ability to seize vehicles used in dumping offences.
You can report illegal dumping incidents by calling the Environment Line on 131 555 or through the RIDonline reporting portal
