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Litter and illegal dumping

Learn about litter and illegal dumping regulations and penalties, and how you can report illegal dumping.

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Definitions

Littering is defined as throwing or dropping any waste material, intentionally or unintentionally, on any land not specified as a waste facility.

Illegal dumping refers to the deliberate depositing of waste materials on land not designated for waste disposal. It includes waste materials that have been dumped, tipped or otherwise deposited onto land.

Illegal dumping varies from small bags of rubbish in an urban environment to larger scale dumping of waste materials in isolated areas such as bushland.

Offences, enforcement, and penalties

Littering

Under the Litter Act 1979, littering offences are strictly regulated to maintain environmental cleanliness. Authorized officers, such as police officers and local government rangers, enforce these laws to ensure compliance.

  • Cigarette butt littering: $200 for individuals and $500 for corporations (businesses).
  • Other offences: Up to $500 for individuals and $2,000 for corporations for general littering offences.
  • Court penalties: Maximum fines of $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for corporations if the case goes to court.

Important note: In instances where the litterer or the driver of the vehicle cannot be identified, the registered owner of the vehicle is typically held accountable unless the offender is identified.

For a complete list of fines, refer to Keep Australia Beautiful’s Litter Laws webpage.

Illegal dumping

Under the Litter Act 1979, minor illegal dumping can attract an infringement notice of $500 or $2,000 if taken to court.

Illegal dumping can also be prosecuted under the Environmental Protection Act 1986, with fines up to $62,500 for individuals and $125,000 for corporate bodies.

Report illegal dumping

There are two options to report illegal dumping:

When reporting, provide details such as the date, time, location, offender description, vehicle details, and nature of the dumping. Photographic or video evidence supports potential prosecutions.

More information and contact

If you require further information, please call the City on (08) 9405 5000 or complete an online general enquiry form.

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