Council has removed over 191 tonnes of waste from Gross Pollutant Traps in March and April following consistent heavy rainfall, stopping litter, dirt, sediment, and other pollutants from entering the Central Coast waterways with stormwater.

Once the region experiences a longer period of clear weather, the conditions will be suitable for Council to program the collection and disposal of waste from other Gross Pollutant Traps yet to be serviced. 

Council has 339 gross pollutant traps installed at key locations across the Coast – both below and above ground. This infrastructure plays an important role in protecting the Coast’s waterways and environment. 

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said this recent weather has shown us what ends up in the gutter, ends up in our waterways. 

“While Council actively stops some litter entering the waterways, we need the community’s help to stop litter flowing into our drainage systems in the first place,” Mr Hart said.

“Roadside litter is one of the most unnecessary and preventable environmental problems and can create all sorts of impacts for the flora and fauna that call the Coast’s local waterways home.

“Littering is not only damaging to our environment, but it is also a fineable offence. Everyone can play a role in reducing the impact of litter on local beaches and waterways.”

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

Find out how you can report a tosser littering from their vehicle by visiting the NSW EPA website www.epa.nsw.gov.au or calling the Environment Line on 131 555.

ENDS

Background

How do GPTs work?

Underground and above ground Gross Pollutant Traps (GPTs) are designed so they don’t increase flood risks.  They are placed along drainage lines and filter out pollutants - such as plastics, cigarettes, contaminated roadside gravel, leaf litter, tyres trolleys, plastics - from stormwater before it hits our waterways. GPTs don’t remove nutrients and are often used in conjunction with other stormwater treatment measures such as constructed wetlands.

These GPTs are then systematically cleaned by Council crews, with debris collected and disposed of at landfill sites.  Weather events and tidal conditions can impact how often these are cleaned. 

Report illegal dumping

Illegal dumping essentially involves waste that is transported by a vehicle, whereas litter is generally smaller quantities of waste. To report illegal dumping:

• Report online at RIDonline 
• Phone the EPA Environment Line on 131 555.

Incidents of illegal dumping can also be reported to Central Coast Council though the online Customer Service Centre or by calling 1300 463 954.