Littering and dumping
Dumping of household rubbish, garden waste, building and commercial waste, or other materials at a site other than a council approved waste disposal facility is illegal. It not only damages the natural environment, including the Pioneer River and natural waterways, but it is unsightly, often dangerous and costs ratepayers unnecessarily.
Every year thousands of ratepayer dollars are wasted cleaning up illegally dumped waste. Dump sites can lower property values and also attract other illegal activities.
Council regularly inspects hotspots for illegal activity and investigates reports of illegal dumping and littering. Illegal dumping is a serious concern for the community and a key priority for council. Offenders face fines or prosecution as outlined in Queensland's littering and illegal dumping laws. The penalties can be viewed here.
Council also takes action for disposal at clothing bins. Charities waste valuable funds cleaning up around their bins. Council supports charities with the 'Don't Dump On Charity' campaign, the aim of which is to discourage disposal and influence the public to report incidents. Items must not be placed outside the bins.
What you can do?
It is important to report any incidents of illegal dumping so that it can be investigated and stopped. When you report an incident, your details will remain confidential.
Important safety information
Your safety in a situation where someone may be illegally dumping is very important.
- Do not approach the vehicle or individuals who are illegally dumping
- Do not let the illegal dumpers know you are there
- Do not touch the illegally dumped material
Simply note the necessary details and report it to council via Customer Requests.
Alternatively: Report to the Department of Environment Heritage Protection (EHP)
With the introduction of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011, members of the public can speak out and report littering and illegal dumping involving a vehicle or a vessel directly to the Department of Environment Heritage Protection (EHP).
Report it now online
Request a reporting form to be mailed by contacting 13 QGOV (13 74 68)