Illegal Dumping

What is illegal dumping? 

Illegal dumping is the unlawful deposit of any type of waste material that is 200 litres or more in volume (about the size of a wheelie bin), and penalties apply. 

Common illegally dumped items include: 

  • household rubbish and garden waste 
  • household goods (such as whitegoods, TVs, mattresses and furniture) 
  • building waste (construction and demolition materials) 
  • tyres, chemical drums and paint tins 
  • asbestos 

Leaving items on the footpath or outside a charity bin or shop is also classes as illegal dumping. Doing this costs charities and councils thousands of dollars to clean up - money that could be spent on important community services. If your items are too big to fit into a charity bin, then drop it off in-store. 

Report illegal dumping 

Regardless of whether the land if public or private, illegal dumping is a crime and should be reported. Note as many details of the incident as possible, including time, date, location, descriptions of the people involved, vehicles and number plates and anything else noticed. 

Click here to report online via the Report Illegal Dumping Online portal. 

Emergency incidents

If there is an emergency such as toxic fumes or a large chemical spill, call 000. 

Environmental risk 

If dumped waste poses an immediate environmental risk and requires an urgent response, call our customer service team on 5838 3000. 

For dumps over 200 tonnes or containing asbestos, call the EPA Environment Line on 131 555. 

Report littering from a vehicle 

If you see litter being thrown or blown from a vehicle or trailer, note the vehicle registration and location and you can report it online to the EPA via the Report Illegal Dumping Online portal. 

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