If you see dumped rubbish, report it so it can be removed before more is added.
Illegal dumping costs our community more than $500,000 every year to clean up.
How to report dumped rubbish
You can:
- Use Antenno
- Fill in our online form
- Phone us on 0800 653 800
When reporting:
- Do not approach anyone dumping rubbish.
- If it's safe, take photos or video the person and their vehicle.
- Include the location, date and time if known.
- Turn on location services so your photos include a location tag (Antenno does this automatically).
This helps contractors find the site quickly and supports any investigation. We keep your information confidential and will only use it in court with your permission.
What is illegal dumping?
Illegal dumping is leaving rubbish or waste where it shouldn't be, such as on roadsides, beaches, parks and reserves or outside businesses. It also includes dumping rubbish on private land without permission.
Rubbish left outside a transfer station after hours is illegal dumping - even with a sticker. It must still be removed and disposed of again, adding extra disposal costs.
Common items found in illegal dumping include:
- bagged household rubbish
- food scraps
- recycling left in bags or boxes
- appliances and whiteware
- furniture such as couches, mattresses and chairs
- commercial materials like pallets
- greenwaste
- tyres
- animal carcasses
Fines and enforcement
Illegal dumping is an offence under the Litter Act 1979. We may investigate and take enforcement action.
We can issue infringement fines for illegal dumping, including depositing litter in public places.
We may use evidence to identify offenders such as:
- photos or information provided by the public
- items found in dumped rubbish
- camera footage.
More serious offences may be prosecuted through the courts, where penalties can apply.
For more information, see our Fees and Charges.
What Council is doing
We take a range of actions to prevent illegal dumping, including:
- installing cameras and signage at known dumping sites
- investigating reports and identifying offenders using evidence such as photos, items found in the dumped rubbish and camera footage.
- issuing fines where appropriate
- providing information on safe and legal disposal options.
Cleaning up illegally dumped rubbish costs money that could be spent on other community services.
How you can help
- Report dumped rubbish as soon as possible.
- Share correct disposal information.
- Reduce waste by reusing, repairing and recycling where you can.
Better ways to deal with unwanted items
Many items found in illegal dumping could be reused, recycled or disposed of for free.
For options and guidance, see What to do with unwanted items
Hazardous waste
If you find hazardous waste, such as asbestos:
- keep people and pets away
- do not disturb it
- contact us immediately.
Why does illegal dumping happen?
People dump rubbish for different reasons, including:
- avoiding disposal fees
- lack of transport or convenience
- not knowing the right way to dispose of items
- contractors cutting costs.
Only a small number of people dump illegally, but it affects everyone. Ratepayers still cover the cost of cleaning it up.
Temporary barrier tape is used to make illegal dumping sites safer and more visible while they are being investigated and cleaned up.
It helps:
- alert the public to potential hazards such as sharp objects or contaminated materials
- clearly identify affected areas
- discourage further dumping.
We acknowledge concerns about plastic use. The tape is used temporarily and removed as soon as it's safe and practical to do so.
Preventing dumping and reporting it early helps reduce the need for temporary measures like barrier tape.