Australian landfill taxes 'will lead to rise in illegal dumping'

Illegal dumping is set to increase in western Australia, as a result of the government's decision to increase landfill taxes, it has been claimed.

Landfill levies are set to rise by 300 per cent, according to a recent state budget.

Bill Mitchell, president of the West Australia Local Government Association, the increase is too much and will lead to illegal dumping, as opposed to more recycling.

"Rather than look at how it can reduce expenditure and find efficiencies, the department seems to have decided it is easier to impose exorbitant fees and make the community pay for their three per cent efficiency target," he added.

However, environment minister Donna Faragher argued that the increase will encourage people to recycle their waste.

In related news, the Ludlow Advertiser reported that the Shropshire area has seen a 12 per cent drop in landfill demand.