More rubbish is being dumped on Wenita Forest Products land. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Everything from computers to stolen cars is being dumped in Wenita’s forests and the problem is only getting worse. Wenita Forest Products chief executive David Cormack said it was particularly bad along more secluded roads. ‘‘It’s a constant problem, but it’s definitely got worse over the last few years as dumping fees have become more expensive. ‘‘It’s an unwelcome hassle for Wenita and our forestry workers — it’s expensive and time consuming because we have to take our people away from productive work to clean up other people’s rubbish. ‘‘It can also be quite unpleasant and potentially dangerous because it often involves handling decaying food and animal scraps, sharp and broken items.’’ The range of rubbish dumped was growing and there was no excuse for dumping items, he said. ‘‘People often aren’t very careful about where they dump stuff either. ‘‘It’s not uncommon for rubbish to be dumped in or near streams and ponds, which creates real environmental risk and extra challenges for our people tasked with removing it.’’ Nothing appeared to be ruled out when it came to dumping rubbish. ‘‘It’s a huge range of items from household rubbish and green waste, through to old appliances — fridges, TVs and computers — hunting and fishing carcasses and even the odd stolen car. ‘‘People might think dumping green waste in a forest is relatively harmless, but it’s actually a serious biosecurity risk, because domestic gardens sometimes contain pest and pathogens that aren’t found in our commercial pine forests and are potentially harmful to them.’’ Dumping waste on forestry land was no different from leaving it on someone else’s private property, Mr Cormack said. Wenita would inspect any illegally dumped rubbish for evidence that might identify those responsible. Any relevant information would be passed on to police and any other appropriate authorities.
