The council, partnered with the NSW Environment Protection Authority and NSW Police, has introduced a tiered range of fines and penalties for offenders. Individuals could be hit with a $7500 on-the-spot fine, while corporations illegally dumping could face $15,000 fines.

Strict liability waste dumping offences will attract $250,000 fines for individuals and up to $1 million for corporations.

Wilful or negligent disposal of waste causing harm to the environment could have offenders facing maximum penalties of a $1 million fine and up to seven years’ imprisonment.

“At the end of the day, it will work out a lot cheaper to dispose of rubbish legally than to face these massive fines,” mayor Andrew Hope said.