Yet another irresponsible citizen has been fined after illegally dumping waste on a public road, reported TRFM.

This problem happens the world over, with a rash of what's known as "fly-tippers" in the United Kingdom and numerous examples in the United States as well. Perpetrators hope to save time and sometimes money by leaving their waste wherever it is convenient.

But it isn't convenient for residents, introducing a huge mess and the possibility of toxic materials or germs.

This time, the illegal dumping took place in Driffield, a town in the Australian territory of Victoria. A pile of mixed debris, including construction waste, old tires, furniture, scrap metal, and household trash, was left at the intersection of Smiths Road and the Strzelecki Highway.

Environment Protection Authority Victoria officials examined the trash left behind and found information leading to the alleged culprit. He was charged with the crime and fined 1,976 Australian dollars (about $1,300).

The man responsible was also ordered to clean up the mess. EPA Victoria will oversee the process and certify its completion.

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Strict enforcement of anti-dumping laws protects the public in several ways. It promotes public health and keeps property values high. Plus, dumped trash is an eyesore, and keeping it out of public areas is good for everyone's mood.

If you spot illegal dumping in your area, you can report it. For example, EPA Victoria has a 24-hour hotline, per TRFM.

You can also do your part to keep the environment clean by recycling as much of your waste as possible. Better yet, you can avoid using disposable items and replace them with reusable alternatives to generate less waste in the first place. Plastic products are the best place to start. The more you recycle and replace, the less ends up in landfills.

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