A Regional Illegal Dumping squad is operating out of Cessnock City Council. 

A Maitland City spokesman said council would meet with RID next week to bring their services to the city in the next year.

RID investigator Jason Robbs is operating out of Cessnock as well as Lake Macquarie and Wyong councils with positive results.

“This is a very new initiative for the Hunter and Central Coast, especially for councils that are involved in the project and those that are expected to jump on board soon,” Mr Robbs said. 

“We recently undertook a joint operation in the Cessnock LGA after reports of illegal dumping activity in the area, resulting in a substantial fine and clean-up notice being given to the property owner.”

NSW Environment Protection Authority funds the RID squads, which use a strategic, co-ordinated approach to the prevention of illegal dumping. 

This includes pooling resources with councils.

Cessnock’s environmental and waste manager Michael Alexander said the community appeared divided on this issue.

“We have a majority who are appalled with the irresponsible actions while others continue to ignore warnings and find it OK to dump illegally,” he said. 

“Those who participate in such activity should be aware that sophisticated surveillance measures are being rolled out.”