Published on Monday, 25 January 2021 at 10:33:55 AM
Picture Caption: Community members are being urged to refrain from “scavenging” at the Tip.
An increase in people removing items from Meru Landfill has sparked a reminder to all community members to refrain from scavenging at the facility.
The issue is becoming more frequent with people entering the Tip and taking items.
Most recently, a person was identified at the facility removing several items from landfill and taking them home. The City is now taking enforcement action against the individual.
City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said the ongoing issue was a pertinent reminder to all community members.
“It is an offence under the City of Greater Geraldton Waste Local Law 2020 to remove waste from the Meru Waste Management Facility without authority,” he said.
“We do not allow it as it presents a huge safety risk.
“We encourage people to attend places such as the Tip Shop to find cheap suitable recycled materials you may be after, or checking out places such as Midwest Disaster Relief, second hand stores and even garage sales.”
As well as a safety issue, the City must also adhere to the landfill license requirements from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
The City introduced a new Waste Local Law in November 2020, after undertaking a wide ranging review.
The review updated the City’s regulations with respect to waste to reflect current legislative provisions.
The Local Law also helps to ensure waste is correctly dealt with and disposed of, and assists the City to deal with the environmental impacts of waste in a more controlled fashion if required.
“We always encourage people to think about what they are dumping in landfill and if something has a bit more life left in it – take it to the Tip Shop,” Mr McKim added.
“We recycle material from landfill and we always ask people to sort their materials where appropriate and dump in the designated areas – such as green waste, cardboard and metal.”
An EOI is also now open for the management of the Tip Shop and can be found on the City’s website.
Meru staff are remaining vigilant in regards to ongoing issues and there are CCTV cameras in operation at the facility.
Meru Landfill is open seven days a week from 7:30am to 4:30pm. More information in regards to fees and charges can be found on the City’s website.
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