Fine for man caught dumping decaying meat

A man caught by "surveillance" dumping an old freezer containing decaying meat in bushland near Broome has been convicted and fined for illegal dumping.

Michael Teh, 29, pleaded guilty in the Broome Magistrate's Court yesterday and was fined $700 plus $790 for the clean-up costs and legal fees.

The maximum fine for the offence is $5000.

The man was prosecuted by the Shire of Broome after dumping an old freezer and bags of rotting meat in an area of bush on February 2 this year, after going to the waste management facility and finding it was closed due to heavy rain.

Shire president Graeme Campbell said surveillance played a part in the operation to catch the man but refused to go into further detail.

Mr Campbell said it was a good outcome and served as a warning to anyone else considering dumping rubbish in the bush.

"Littering and illegal dumping is a big problem in Broome, and the Shire takes it very seriously and will continue to prosecute anyone caught doing so," he said.

"There is no excuse for illegal dumping as the Shire operates a weekly kerb-side rubbish collection and fortnightly recycling collection, as well as an annual pre-cyclone rubbish collection.

"Residents can also deposit household rubbish free of charge at the waste management facility on Buckley's Road using the vouchers issued each year with rates notices, and uncontaminated green waste can also be deposited for free."

Mr Campbell said the council was working to keep the town clean by employing a full-time community clean-up crew to maintain parks, gardens, beaches and verges.

He said the council also operated an orange bag rubbish collection for individuals who can register with the council and be paid for rubbish they collect.

"In addition, we have committed community groups such as the Keep Broome Clean Team who are doing fantastic work helping to clean up areas of Broome," Mr Campbell said.