‘We’re onto you’: Drone roll-out to target illegal rubbish dumpers

A fleet of drones is being rolled out across New South Wales to target offenders who are illegally dumping rubbish in bushland or remote areas.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is behind the statewide push to monitor dumping hot spots and protect officers from venturing into dangerous areas.

“Areas (may be) where pollution has occurred in a waterway or in a remote or difficult-to-access area,” EPA’s Mark Gifford told 9NEWS.

While illegal dumping is rife on suburban streets, offenders are detected by watchful residents or CCTV.

But the crime often goes undetected in such remote areas as Randwick, Campbelltown, Parramatta, Fairfield, Camden and Blacktown.

“We will be onto you soon,” Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton said.

“There is nowhere that you can hide your illegal acts.”

Illegal rubbish dumping is a serious crime, with offenders facing possible fines of up $1 million as well as jail time.

But the statewide roll-out is facing the usual spray of privacy concerns.

“It’s a balance between protecting people’s privacy and the EPA being able to gather evidence,” Mr Gifford said.

“It really is a no brainer to make sure that our community is kept safe,” Minister Upton added.

The EPA's guidelines for the drone use are open for public consultation until December 15.