Transporting waste and other materials
Did you know stormwater run-off drains directly into our creeks, rivers and the ocean. It is our responsibility to keep the environment and waterways clean.
Everyone who tows or transports any kind of material can help improve the cleanliness and quality of our environment and waterways by preventing soil, sand, garden waste, litter, chemicals and all other waste escaping trailers/trays during transportation.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 it is an offence to transport waste in a manner that does not prevent its release to the environment or to allow materials to enter a roadside gutter or stormwater drain.
Tips for safely transporting waste
- For safe transportation, check manufacturer’s instructions and maximum weight load or otherwise ensure the construction of the trailer/tray is adequate for the load.
- Make sure the trailer/tray is well maintained to prevent material from escaping.
- Make sure vehicles are free of oil and fuel leaks.
- Spread the weight.
- Confine load within the trailer/tray.
- Dampen soil and sand before transporting to minimise dust.
- If transporting a bin or skip, ensure lid is closed, load is covered and waste is properly secured.
- Always cover and secure load with straps or rope. Covers include: tarpaulins, trailer nets, purpose designed covers, or other material that adequately confines and secures the load.
- Check the load regularly during transportation.
- Sweep the trailer/tray after unloading.
- When delivering materials, arrange to unload on a grassed or gravelled area away from stormwater drains, roadside gutters and waterways.
- Clean up any spills or leaks immediately using shovels and brooms or dry absorbent materials such as kitty litter, rags, or a bund for liquid materials.
Disposal of waste
- Always dispose of waste materials at an approved waste disposal facility or recycling and reprocessing facility.
- Liquid waste discharge to sewage requires a trade waste permit from your water authority.