A government employee responsible for investigating illegal dumping in Western Sydney allegedly solicited bribes in exchange for ignoring the dumping of dangerous waste products including asbestos, a corruption inquiry has heard.

Craig Izzard, a former investigator with the Western Sydney Regional Illegal Dumping Squad (RID), is being examined by the Independent Commission Against Corruption over his alleged involvement in "black market" dumping.

ICAC heard allegations Craig Izzard solicited bribes to ignore illegal dumping of dangerous waste, including asbestos. Credit:Rohan Thomson

Counsel assisting the inquiry James Mack told the hearing former rugby league player Mr Izzard was the principle person of interest in four allegations of corrupt conduct, including three occasions in 2015 when he allegedly solicited bribes from people in exchange for not investigating their dumping activity.

In his opening address, Mr Mack told the hearing the high costs associated with dumping dangerous products legally had created a "black market for dumping".