Illegal dumping and littering

Littering and illegal dumping is unsightly and has significant health and safety risks for the environment and residents.

Definition of littering and/or dumping

Littering and illegal dumping describes any waste items (e.g. refuse, debris, rubbish, cigarette butts, food materials) that have been left without permission on public, state or private land. Littering also covers the placement of unsolicited advertising material on a motor vehicle, building or other fixed structure and continuous junk mail (when a 'no junk mail' sign is clearly displayed) or newspapers on the ground.

How to report littering and/or illegal dumping

To lodge a complaint about littering or illegal dumping contact us.

The following information is beneficial for our investigation:

  • Location of the material.
  • What the material consists of.
  • When the dumping/littering occurred (time and date if known).
  • Who was responsible for dumping the material (if known).
  • Vehicle details (if a vehicle was involved and details known).
  • Photographs of the materials (time and date stamped if possible).
  • Any other relevant details.
  • Whether you'd like to be contacted about the matter or not.

Penalties for illegal dumping and littering

Littering and dumping is illegal and a large fine may be incurred. We will make every attempt to locate the owner of the illegally dumped materials so we can take one of the following actions:

  • Issue a warning.
  • Issue a clean-up notice ordering the offender to remedy the offence.
  • Issue the offender with an on-the-spot fine.
  • Prosecution of the offender.

Stop the delivery of junk mail or newspapers

Contact the junk mail or newspaper company to request the service be stopped and place a clearly visible sign saying 'no junk mail' or 'Australia Post only' on the mailbox.

Report an abandoned shopping trolley

Trolleys that have been removed from shopping centres can be reported to the company that the trolley belongs to:

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