DWER inspectors set up the camera sting at Torgoyle Reserve, Wattleup, due to incidents of illegal dumping taking place in bushland.
On the afternoon of 11 March 2021, Vito Polimeno, 51 years old of Coolbellup, was caught on camera driving a Toyota HiAce van into the area. The hidden cameras captured images of white internal doors and white poles with reds caps, clearly visible in the rear of the van.
The van was photographed a short time later leaving the area without the items on board.
Mr Polimeno was interviewed about the incident and admitted dumping the waste. He was charged under Section 49A(3) of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, with illegally dumping household waste without permission. On 22 March 2022 he entered a plea of guilty to the Fremantle Magistrates court and was fined $2,500 and ordered to pay costs of $788.30.
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation Senior Manager Waste Operations, Matt Warnock said covert camera operations continued to net results.
“The message is clear - we target these areas,” Mr Warnock said.
“The best way to avoid a fine and a court record is to dispose of waste properly. If you are not sure how to do that, please consult your local government’s web pages for details about your local authorised waste facility.”
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.
