Illegal dumping

Example of some litter that has been illegally dumped

We are trying to reduce illegal dumping because it:

  • impacts the environment
  • is extremely costly to clean up
  • causes public safety risks
  • makes public places unsightly
  • is wasteful.

Watch our video about what illegal dumping is and how you can help prevent it.

 

Illegal dumping is the unlawful disposal of waste on land or in water. It includes:

  • Domestic household items such as discarded mattresses, white goods and old furniture, commonly found out on the kerbside.
  • Green waste including palm fronds, commonly found over the back fence, on vacant blocks or in bushland.
  • Construction and demolition waste.
  • Household or commercial waste disposed of in or around public litter bins
  • Hazardous materials such as asbestos.
  • Unauthorised land filling. If you are the landowner you may be accepting fill that may affect the health of your family or devalue your land. Check with us to find out what approvals are required.

Minimum fines of $4000 can be issued on the spot.

The maximum penalty can be up to $250,000 for individuals and $1 million for corporations.

Rangers have stepped up surveillance of dumping hotspots, using clever new technology to catch those breaking the law.

Council has issued $12,462 worth of illegal dumping fines since 2020. 

Dumping household items and waste in public place bins and/or on the kerbside is illegal dumping and offenders will be fined or issued with a court attendance notice. 

 

We achieved a 36% reduction in illegal dumping incidents through our previous Illegal Dumping and Litter Education and Enforcement Plan. 

We are now in the process of developing an updated Litter and Illegal Dumping Strategic Plan 2024 -2029, to continue to reduce the amount of illegal dumping in our shire. 

Our objective is to create anti-illegal dumping behaviour for the future. We will do this through:

  • Education, Awareness and Engagement 
  • Regulation, Evidence Gathering and Enforcement  
  • Services, Infrastructure and Clean Up 
  • Monitoring, Evaluation and Research.

Supermarkets are responsible for collecting their own trolleys, see contact details below.

Woolworths

Coles

Aldi

Call 13 25 34

Supa IGA - Byron

02 6680 7455

Bunnings Warehouse

02 6639 5300 

Report illegal dumping

Landlords, real estate agents and accommodation providers

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