Senators were united in approving changes to the law on illegal dumping and littering this week.The changes make it easier to prosecute those who engage in littering and illegal dumping, and provide for increased penalties for breaking the law.Circumstantial evidence found in litter and illegally dumped refuse can now be used to prosecute the culprits.That would include written correspondence, serial numbers on computers and refrigerators and vehicle identification numbers on cars and bikes.Prosecutors can also use evidence from recording devices such as surveillance cameras.The Senate’s approval also means that maximum fines for general dumping and littering are increased from $1,000 to $2,000 for a first offence and 40 hours community service.Repeat offenders face a fine up to $5,000 and up to two years in jail.Those found guilty of dumping computers, refrigerators, cars and bikes can be fined up to $10,000 for a first offence or $25,000 for a subsequent offence.While Senators lamented the fact that residents continue to litter, there was general concern about incarcerating someone for up to two years for the offence.OBA Senator Michael Dunkley suggested the number of hours of community service could increase with each additional offence, instead of prison time. Opposition Senators also stressed the need for education to curb littering behaviour, and questioned whether there was enough capacity for enforcement.Government Senator Kim Wilson said that the prison option was really for a sentencing judge to decide depending on the particular circumstances of the case.And Senator Vincent Ingham, who introduced the new measures, said that Government intended to look at bringing in additional enforcement officers and to deputise others such as park rangers to enforce the law.He alerted his colleagues to “two excellent” education initiatives one in the schools and a kerbside programme where residents put their names on their blue bags to participate in a random draw.