PERTH councils want to give “bin cops” the power to fine households who throw the wrong rubbish in their bins.

The City of Gosnells council this week voted to start the process of introducing a local law that would impose fines of up to $400 for 22 waste offences.

Other councils could follow suit, with the City of Wanneroo becoming the first council to gazette a Waste Local Law in April.

Council staff such as rangers would be authorised to monitor bins and issue fines.

In Gosnells, offences would include:

•Failing to keep a bin “clean and in a good condition” – $250.

•Failing to keep a bin “in the required location” – $250.

•Unauthorised removal of waste from a premises — $250.

•Depositing unauthorised waste in a general waste or recycling bin — $350.

•Failing to “prevent the emission of offensive odours” from a bin — $350.

•Damaging, destroying or interfering with a bin — $400.

•Failing to comply with a “term or condition of verge waste collection” – $400.

A council report said the law was designed to “establish obligations that owners and occupiers of premises must observe relating to the use, storage, cleanliness, maintenance and placement of waste receptacles”.

City of Gosnells chief executive Ian Cowie said the law provided a more “contemporary approach to waste management”.

He cited issues such as recycling and an increasing number of grouped housing developments. Last financial year the council received 2193 requests and complaints about waste.

Gosnells will now seek public comment on the proposed law before a final decision is taken by the council.

The WA Local Government Association has created a template waste law for councils across the state to introduce the powers.

WALGA chief executive Ricky Burges said the changes would “provide clearer requirements and options in relation to penalties for specific behaviours”.

“Waste management is a huge role undertaken by local governments and they are facing increasing costs, both in terms of collection and processing,” she said.

Ms Burges said higher State Government levies on every tonne of waste put in landfill was another financial impost on councils.