Report it - crack down on littering

Published on 05 May 2020

This month, MidCoast residents are invited to play an active role in cracking down on littering across our region – by registering with the NSW EPA to report littering from vehicles.

The Report to EPA service is part of a comprehensive NSW State Government anti-littering program and aims to deter people from littering from vehicles by increasing the likelihood of being seen, reported and fined.

“MidCoast residents highly value our unique natural environment, and tell us that they don’t like littering or litterers. With the research showing people are less likely to litter if they think someone is watching, we think the Report to EPA scheme is a powerful deterrent,” said MidCoast Council’s Director of Liveable Communities, Paul De Szell.

“Roadside litter is one of our region’s most unnecessary and preventable environmental problems. Often litter dropped from cars ends up in our waterways, posing numerous problems for marine life and fishing, aquaculture and tourism industries on the MidCoast.”

Reporting littering from vehicles helps to raise awareness, change behaviour, reduce clean-up costs and keep our beautiful environment clean.

Each year over 25,000 tonnes of litter is tossed in NSW.

More than 45,000 people from across NSW have registered with Report to EPA to report littering from vehicles. Almost 60,000 reports have been made, and more than 40,000 litter fines have been issued by the EPA.

The campaign sends a clear message that littering is unacceptable and that litterers will be seen, reported and fined.

The EPA can issue fines of $250 for an individual and $500 for a corporation for littering from a vehicle, based on reports from members of the public.

“We’re encouraging everyone to get on board by registering and becoming part of the solution to the issue of litter. You will then be able to report anyone who you observe littering from their vehicle.

To register, head to the NSW EPA website.