Illegal dumping and Littering
What is illegal dumping?
Illegal dumping -and littering- is the unlawful disposal of rubbish onto public land other than approved waste management facilities. Uncontainerised waste is also considered illegal dumping. It is illegal to deposit waste on streets, laneways, parks, footpaths, car parks or waterways etc.
Getting rid of your waste incorrectly means you can be fined of up to $750 for individuals and as much as $1,500 for corporations under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.
Council employs Waste Inspectors who regularly patrol the Local Government Area providing educational information to residents and businesses, investigating illegally dumped material and where necessary issuing Clean-up Notices and / or fines to illegal dumping offenders.
How does it impact the community?
Illegal dumping & littering:
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harms the environment. It pollutes neighbouring soils and waterways. It also spreads unwanted weeds and attracts vermins such as rats, mices, foxes and cockroaches.
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attracts additional dumping and other illegal behaviours. These areas become unattractive to the local community and property investors.
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can be a health and safety hazard. Dumped waste can be dangerous to people, particularly when it includes sharp objects, asbestos and glass.
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is costly to the Council and the community. Ratepayers’ money is spent each year on cleaning up illegally dumped rubbish.
What can you do with your unwanted goods?
There are many ways to dispose of your unwanted goods and rubbish appropriately. Council provides a range of services for your waste and recycling:
- Dispose of your waste in the correct bins provided by Council for garbage, recycling, garden organics and food scraps (available to unit blocks of 10 or more units). Visit What can I place out for Collection for details.
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White goods - book-in service; call 9367 9222 to make a booking.
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Electronic wastes: e-waste community drop-off days
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Household items: General Household Cleanups twice a year and a quote and removal service for excess household material
- Drop your waste at the Weekend Transfer Station (fees apply)
- Chemicals: Household Chemical CleanOut
- Read more on alternative recycling / waste disposal in the A-Z Guide for batteries, mobile phones, printer cartridges, medicines, and sharps.
You can give a second life to your old goods by:
- Participating in the Second Hand Saturdays giant community garage sales
- Contacting the Bower Reuse Referral Service for household items; Reverse Garbage for industrial offcuts; and various on-line agencies where you can post items to swap for free or donate quality items to charity. Visit Reuse Repair Recycle at the Waste and Recycling Guide.
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How can you help if you see illegal dumps?
If you have any information that may assist Council with people who are illegally dumping, please ring the Citizens Service Centre on 9367 9222. Calls remain confidential. Visit Dumped Waste for further information.
Avoiding Waste
Council supports Extended Producer Responsbility that addresses waste at the source via good design and / or takeback of products at the end of their life.