Richard Paparone, 67, appeared in the Fremantle Magistrates Court on 7 December 2021 and entered a plea of guilty to dumping waste contrary to the Environmental Protection Act 1986.
The offence occurred on Monday, 12 April 2021 when a silver Mitsubishi Pajero towing a trailer was photographed by a covert surveillance camera in Torgoyle Reserve in Wattleup. Images showed a load of waste in the trailer, including a large metal trolley, a bicycle, a metal bed frame, a wooden door, and other household items. Officers from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation later found the waste abandoned at the site.
Mr Paparone was fined $5,000 and ordered to pay costs of $788.30.
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation Senior Manager Waste Operations, Matt Warnock said the area where the waste was abandoned is a notorious dumping spot.
“The maximum penalty for this offence is $62,500 so anyone talking part in illegal dumping can expect a fine ranging into the thousands of dollars,” Mr Warnock said.
“Members of the public can also help, and we ask that if you see something, please say something.”
Anyone who witnesses illegal dumping is asked to call the department’s Pollution Watch Hotline on 1300 784 782, email pollutionwatch@dwer.wa.gov.au or call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
