Illegal dumping in Cessnock – it’ll cost you!

Published on 14 February 2025

Cessnock City Council has launched an awareness campaign following the NSW Environment Protection Authority’s (EPA) introduction of new and harsher penalties for illegal dumping.

On-the-spot fines of $15,000 for an individual or $30,000 for a company now apply for illegally-dumped loads of more than one cubic metre – for a first offence.

Those penalties jump to $22,500 for an individual and $45,000 for a company for a second offence, with each load considered to be a separate offence.

The EPA brought in the increased fines last year, as part of the Environment Protection Legislation (Stronger Regulation and Penalties) Act 2024.

Meanwhile, incorrect disposal of 50kg/50L of waste – less than a quarter of a 240L wheelie bin – now attracts a fine of $1,000 for an individual or $5,000 for a company. This jumps to $2,500 or $10,000, respectively, if the waste is dumped in a sensitive location like a national park.

An individual who ignores a legal notice to provide information in writing or answer questions in person regarding an investigation under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 can be fined $15,000 – or $30,000 for a company.

Cessnock City Mayor Dan Watton said it was far more costly to illegally dump waste than it was to use the proper channels and facilities.

"There is no excuse for treating our beautiful local environment like a tip, and these new penalties reflect how seriously the issue is being taken," said Clr Watton.

"Those who choose to illegally-dump their waste will find it is a costly thing to do."

To learn more, visit www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/illegaldumping or download the Cessnock Waste App to access free waste disposal vouchers issued each year to households across the Local Government Area. Report illegal dumping: ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au or call 131 555.