Cameras and GPS tracking devices have been installed in Melton council rubbish trucks to crack down on residents contaminating green waste bins with household rubbish.
Those caught doing the wrong thing can be fined up to $155 and repeat offenders could have their bins removed.
The council says more than 33 tonnes of organic waste have been diverted to landfill in the past seven months as a result of “excessive” contamination.
Nappies, household waste, rocks, building materials and bricks have been found in recent truck loads.
These materials could potentially damage rubbish trucks and processing equipment, according to Melton council.
Mayor Bob Turner said council officers, collection drivers and bin inspectors would ramp up patrols in response to the recent spate of contamination in green waste bins.
“Trucks are embedded with technology to identify contaminated green waste bins, including cameras and GPS, and can identify which house was responsible for the contamination,” he said.
Cr Turner said diverting green waste also contributed to greenhouse gases.
Council planning and development manager Luke Shannon said contamination in green waste bins had been an issue for several years and was widespread in the municipality.
For more information about what you can put in kerbside bins, visit melton.vic.gov.au/waste
