His comments come after a man, 32, and woman, 32, were issued an infringement notice by Kaniva Police. 

Leading Senior Constable Phill Shiells said West Wimmera Shire Council and police were “disgusted” after a trailer of rubbish was dumped on the outskirts of Kaniva.

“They both received a further infringement notice for failing to remove litter when requested,” he said.

“The rubbish has been on the side of a rural road since early January.

“The rubbish included a mattress and much of the litter had blown further afield from its original dumped location.”

Leading Senior Constable Shiells said police went through the rubbish “with a fine tooth comb” to find evidence about who had dumped the items. 

“Like any crime, there are pieces of the puzzle that always leave some trace,” he said.

“It is absolutely unbelievable that someone could treat their own town like this.”

Cr Meyer said illegal dumping was not a common issue in the shire, but could be costly. 

“The problem is someone creates the problem and we’re left with the bill of cleaning up and disposal if they’re not located,” he said.

“It’s not uncommon to find things dumped at the transfer station, but transfer station fees are relatively cheap.

“If people have got any pride in their community the transfer station is the place to put it.”

Cr Meyer said there was no need for illegal dumping.

“It’s almost senseless,” he said.

“Green waste is free, we don’t charge for green waste at the transfer station, we don’t charge for materials that can be recycled and really the cost for other items is relatively cheap.”

In 2016, the EPA fined a man for illegally dumping waste including asbestos in the shire.

Cr Meyer said the cost of clean up depended on the materials dumped.