It hurts our economy, it hurts our reputation and it hurts our spectacular environment. By any measure, these are cowardly and selfish acts.

Wollongong City Council has some very convenient and free schemes to get rid of bulky waste. In fact there is a range of options available over the internet to sell, recycle or ‘‘freecycle’’ unwanted goods.

In any case, it’s clear that there’s no excuse. These days there are plenty of more convenient alternatives to dumping, and some that might even make money - you don’t even have to go to the tip.

It’s sad the council is at the point of installing cameras to catch people in the act, but if it helps catch offenders or make an example of those caught, then its purpose will be served.

We live in a consumer society where goods can be bought cheaply, but that’s no reason to just toss them, sometimes literally, off the side of a cliff when we don’t want them any more.

The Illawarra has one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world. For those of us who take pride in our little slice of home, it naturally seems unthinkable to dump refuse for others to see.