By ANEEKA SIMONIS
RESIDENTS fork out more than $100,000 a year to clean up waste-filled roads in the outer south-east.
The Monash Freeway, South Gippsland Highway and Princes Highway are frequented by illegal dumpers, according to VicRoads, which has pleaded with the community to keep it clean this holiday season.
Summer holidays traditionally see an increase in dumped items along our roads, often resulting from renovation and home improvement projects.
VicRoads Metro South East regional director Aidan McGann said that the community bore the cost of removing dumped rubbish along our roads.
“The cost of disposing of waste dumped on roadsides across the Metro South East region is more than $100,000 a year,” Mr McGann said.
“Among the roads most frequently targeted are the Monash Freeway, South Gippsland Highway and Princes Highway for illegal dumpers.
The road authority is asking Victorians to do the right thing over the Christmas holiday period and dispose of rubbish, waste and unwanted presents responsibly.
“VicRoads is committed to keeping our roads clean, however waste control continues to be an ongoing challenge, especially when some people use the roadside as a dumping ground,” Mr McGann said.
When it’s reported, VicRoads removes illegally dumped waste from public land, however this means valuable resources are redirected from delivering other important services.
Illegally dumped waste is not only hazardous to VicRoads employees and the community, but it’s also harmful to the environment and a blight on the landscape.
The most common items removed from roadsides include building rubble, bricks, glass and timber and car tyres, along with household items such as furniture and mattresses.
Illegal dumping or other pollution should be reported to the EPA’s 24 hour pollution hotline on 1300 372 842.
