The Environment and Resources Authority confirmed the issuance of €8,000 in fines targeting four waste legislation infringements. These fines come as a result of monitoring and investigation, showcasing ERA's commitment to environmental sustainability and proper waste disposal, ERA said in a statement.

Spotting wrongdoers through the monitoring of strategically placed cameras in hotspot areas, ERA officers caught two individuals illegally dumping a refrigerator and cardboard waste in an area at Ħandaq, Qormi. ERA imposed a €1,400 fine for this environmentally harmful act.

Another case involved the dumping of construction waste, specifically cement slurry on garrigue, by a cement mixer. ERA officers who were provided with video footage by a vigilant member of the public, tracked down the offender through the vehicle registration number. The culprit was required to manually remove the fresh concrete, supervised by ERA officers, resulting also in a €4,000 fine.

Two instances of illegal waste incineration also drew ERA's attention. In one case, smouldering burnt waste in a metal skip led to a €1,200 fine, while in Ta’ Sannat, Gozo, ERA officers, managed to identify the contravener who fled the scene and fined the culprit €1,200 for incinerating mixed waste.

ERA urges the public to report illegal waste disposal to the ERA via phone at 2292 3500 or through the online portal ERIS. Public cooperation is essential in supporting ERA's Compliance Unit, which employs digital tools like drones and CCTV cameras to catch perpetrators. Together, let's stand against irresponsible persons who degrade the environmental quality by irresponsible practices.