A MORNINGTON tree-lopping business has been fined almost $7000 for illegally dumping truckloads of mulch and garden waste.
This comes after Mornington Peninsula and Frankston councils joined forces to prosecute the company at both the Dromana and Frankston magistrates’ courts.
Tree pruning and removal business Trim Up Tree Service, described as a “serial rubbish dumper”, was found guilty of dumping the waste at Mount Martha and Langwarrin.
A Mornington Peninsula Shire news release said the shire had a strong zero-tolerance approach to illegally dumped rubbish, prosecuting 12 offenders this year.
The council understands Trim Up Tree Service was paid by residents to clear their properties ahead of summer, so it was seeking to profit through income and by avoiding tip fees.
Increased efforts to deter and penalise rubbish dumping on the peninsula include patrolling dumping hot spots; CCTV and covert; gates, fences and bollards to prevent access to parks and reserves; investigation of all dumping incidents; issuing infringement notices and referring serious matters for prosecution; and a Dob-in-a-Dumper campaign.
Report dumpers at mornpen.vic.gov.au/dobinadumper or call 1300 850 600.
