Online tools developed to report littering from vehicles
South Australians can now report littering from their smart phones or online, following the launch of the new ‘Dob in a Litterer’ app and website.
The online tools have been developed as part of the ‘Dob in a Litterer’ campaign following the introduction of the litter provisions of the new Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 2016 and allows the community to quickly report those who throw litter from their vehicles.
EPA Director Mining, Radiation and Regulatory Support Keith Baldry said there has been strong community interest in the new tools since the campaign was launched on 1 February 2017.
“The uptake has been positive and shows that South Australians are serious about keeping their roads and communities clean,” Mr Baldry said.
“The campaign and online tools are part of the South Australian government’s commitment to introduce a public litter reporting system and encourage the community to continue its interest in the program,” he said.
The app has been downloaded 1,933 times since the launch of the campaign and more than 280 users have registered via the website.
A 3-month grace period is in place in order to increase community awareness, prior to fines being issued. During this time warning letters are being sent in lieu of fines.
A total of 260 warning letters have been issued since the program began with the majority of reports being for littering of cigarette butts with the remaining reports about general litter.
The initiative has been well supported by KESAB and Green Industries SA (GISA), and many local governments in South Australia through the EPA training programs.
The Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 2016 is being formally introduced in stages, with the littering components of the legislation becoming operational from 1 February 2017. The local nuisance provisions will come in to effect on 1 July 2017.
