Albany community outraged by illegal dumping of hazardous waste near school
Residents of Albany discovered large piles of illegally dumped trash, including syringes and an STD kit, in a bushland area adjacent to a primary school, prompting calls for cleanup.
In Albany, a coastal town 450 kilometres south of Perth, residents uncovered extensive illegal dumping in a native bushland area that backs onto a primary school and residential neighbourhoods. The debris included washing machines, mattresses, a brick wall, syringes and an STD testing kit, prompting outrage among locals who fear environmental contamination and risks to children. Volunteer Rhedyn Dekker described the volume as "breathtaking" and urged the community not to "toss" waste in natural areas.
Development WA, which manages the state-owned land slated for future housing, said its crews would remove the rubbish within days and asked the public to report any leads to police. Albany Mayor Greg Stocks noted that while illegal dumping has occurred before, the scale of this incident suggests multiple perpetrators. The town has previously dealt with similar waste dumping, including a rest-stop closure after refuse was left by Main Roads between Albany and Denmark.
Why it matters
Illegal dumping threatens public health, safety and the environment of a community near a school.
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