Two men who dumped expired food outside a charity store, not once, but twice, have been caught red-handed and slapped with a hefty fine.
Two men who dumped expired food outside a charity store, not once, but twice, have been caught red-handed and slapped with a hefty fine.
Their heartless antics came unstuck when they were detected on a Council CCTV camera set up outside the Salvation Army store at Chester Hill.
On the first occasion in February this year, the driver of a white van can be seen pulling up in Frost Lane and dumping approximately 40 boxes of Cheetoz Puff snacks. A Council investigation revealed the chips had expired in February 2023.
Oblivious to the presence of the camera, the same driver returned in May, accompanied by a friend.
Both men were caught getting out of the white van around 2am and unloading 60 boxes of yoghurt dips, which had expired in 2022, leaving them outside the front entrance.
The driver was issued with two fines totaling $17,000 for transporting excess waste to an unlawful waste facility.
Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said he was appalled by the heartlessness shown by the two men.
“I cannot believe someone would stoop so low, to donate out of date goods to a charity trying to assist those in need,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
“They have no shame and obviously don’t realise the dire consequences of providing the expired products.
“They even had the gall to write to Council to apologise for their actions, but this was only after being stung with the fines.”
Mayor El-Hayek added that Council has zero tolerance for those who want to cut corners and dump their rubbish.
“May this act as a stern warning to all those who are thinking about dumping – you will be caught, and you will be fined!”
Residents are encouraged to report instances of illegal dumping online at cb.city/ReportIt or by calling Council on 9707 9000.