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A Sydney skip bin hire and waste removal company has been fined $60,000 for illegally dumping asbestos-containing waste on private property, prompting renewed warnings from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) about the risks of illegal dumping in semi-rural areas such as the Hawkesbury.
The EPA investigation found Peakhurst-based Hy-Gene Skips deposited more than 18 cubic metres of mixed waste, including asbestos-containing materials, at a vacant property in Gregory Hills in May 2025. The company then failed to comply with a clean-up notice requiring the waste to be removed and lawfully disposed of.
While the dumping occurred outside the Hawkesbury, the EPA said similar incidents are an ongoing concern in peri-urban and rural fringe communities, where vacant land, construction activity and limited surveillance can make illegal dumping harder to detect.
Hawkesbury has experienced repeated incidents of illegally dumped building materials, green waste and asbestos in recent years, with contaminated waste posing a serious risk to landowners, neighbouring properties, waterways and emergency responders.
Councillor Mike Creed has highlighted the serious risks illegal dumping poses to the Hawkesbury community, particularly when asbestos is involved.
“Illegal dumping, particularly when it involves asbestos, is a serious issue for the Hawkesbury. It places an unfair burden on landowners, poses real health and environmental risks, and threatens our waterways and rural landscapes,” Cr Creed said.
He urged residents to be proactive: “I urge residents to remain vigilant, make sure they are using licensed waste operators, and report suspected illegal dumping immediately. Early reporting helps prevent long-term damage and ensures those responsible are held to account.”
NSW EPA Executive Director of Operations Steve Beaman said businesses paid to remove waste have a clear legal responsibility to ensure it is disposed of at licensed facilities.
“Illegal dumping is a selfish shortcut that puts landowners and communities at risk,” Mr Beaman said.
In this case, the landowner was left to cover the cost of removing and safely disposing of the contaminated material after the company failed to act, highlighting the financial and environmental consequences of unlawful dumping.
The EPA said it will continue enforcement action against companies and individuals who dump waste illegally or ignore directions to remediate contaminated sites.
Residents across the Hawkesbury are urged to report suspected illegal dumping to the EPA’s Environment Line on 131 555 or via email at info@epa.nsw.gov.au.
