Illegal dumping

Illegal dumping is the disposal of large amounts of waste or items on land or in water without the correct approvals.This can include:

• Dumping of commercial, trade or household waste in parks and gardens. 

• Placing household items on the kerbside without a Bulky Waste Collection booking or presenting materials too early in advance of the booking date.

• Disposal of unwanted items, donations and waste outside of charity bins or shop fronts.

   

  Examples of illegally dumped materials on public land.
   

Litter

Litter is anything unwanted that has been thrown, blown or left in the wrong place. Littering is the disposal of smaller amounts of waste. This includes:

• Throwing litter out of car window.

• Flicking cigarette butts onto the ground.

• Depositing of advertising materials on public place, open private place or on vehicle windscreens, instead of within letterbox or under doors.

     

  Examples of litter on public land.

Illegal dumping and littering are both offences under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) and attract on-the-spot fines.

Leaving your dog’s poo in public places is also an offence under the Companion Animals Act 1998. Please pick up after your pet and responsibly dispose as part of Responsible Pet Ownership.

To report illegal dumping, littering and other issues use Council’s request platform: Log it / Fix it

Please provide as many details as possible of the location and evidence if available to support the investigation of illegally dumped waste.

Relevant request categories on Log it / Fix it include:

• Illegal dumping: if you witness illegal dumping or find illegally dumped materials.

• Roadside litter: for litter picking small windswept waste on the road. If you have seen or have evidence of vehicle registration you can Report a Tosser (fines apply).

• ​Street/park litter bin - full or overflowing: if a public litter bin is full or overflowing.

• ​Street/park litter bin - missing or damaged: if a public litter bin is missing/stolen or the bin or bin stand is damaged or vandalised.  

• Dog Waste Bag Dispenser - Refill: if a public dog bag dispenser is empty. 

• Abandoned article: for bikes, machinery and items that may be of value abandoned on public land. See Shopping Trolleys for more information on reporting unattended trolleys.

• Abandoned vehicle: for cars or trailers abandoned on public land. See Abandoned or Unregistered Vehicles for more information.  

Everyone whether as individuals or businesses has a role to play in managing waste and making sure it is disposed of safely and responsibly.

This includes:

• Using Council’s waste and recycling services correctly, and/or

• Arranging a reputable private waste contractor, or

• Taking items to a licensed disposal or recycling facility yourself.

Illegal dumping

The Owner-Builder Waste Checklist is a quick guide on how to manage site waste responsibly, prevent illegal dumping and how to report it. Not all types of waste or situations are covered by Council bin services.

Below are some commonly dumped items and links to information on how to recycle or dispose of them responsibly:

• Bulky household item (furniture, white goods, mattresses): Bulky Waste Collection.

• Chemical waste (paints, gas bottles): Household Chemical CleanOut.

• Electronic waste (TVs, small appliances): E-Waste Drop Off.

• Tyres and car parts, building materials, asbestos, mulch and other materials: A-Z Recycling Guide.

​Litter

Litter placed securely inside a bin is no longer litter. Disposing of waste properly helps keep our streets, waterways and public spaces clean. Please use public litter bins for small, on-the-go items while you’re out and about, or take your waste home if a bin is not available.

Commercial and household waste must not be placed in public litter bins, as this can lead to overfilling, reduced bin capacity and increased litter in surrounding areas. Items should not be left beside bins or anywhere else in public spaces.

Using bins correctly helps Keep Georges River Beautiful and ensures they remain available for everyone.

What is Council doing about illegal dumping?

Council works to prevent illegal dumping and cleans it up when it happens.

Council shares information to help people understand why illegal dumping is harmful to the community, the environment, and how to dispose of waste the right way.

Council officers conduct regularly check areas where illegal dumping often occurs, such as local streets, lanes, car parks, industrial areas and bushland. Reports of dumped waste are actioned and investigated when they are submitted Log it / Fix it portal.

If there is enough evidence, Council will take action under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) including heavy fines for individuals and corporation. 



Council also works with strata managers of multi-unit dwellings to encourage booking Bulky Waste Collections and share waste education materials to residents.

When development applications are lodged, Council reviews Waste Management Plans that detail how sites manage their waste. Officers also encourage the community to be vigilant when engaging with waste removalists and contractors and encourage reporting of illegal dumping.
 

What is Council doing about litter?

To help keep our neighbourhoods clean, Council provides regular street sweeping and cleansing services to maintain cleanliness. Council also provides a network of almost 600 public street and park litter bins in busy, high foot‑traffic areas such as commercial business districts and parks.  

Council is also increasing public place recycling through participation in the Return and Earn bin basket trial with assessments to follow in 2026/27 for opportunities to expand the program. The bin baskets allow you to recycle drinking bottles and cans when your on the go, accepting containers with the words '10c refund at collection deposit points' on the label.


Council also supports a range of litter prevention and community clean‑up initiatives, including:

• working together with Georges Riverkeeper to protect and improve our waterways,

• supporting local Clean Up Australia Day events and other community clean‑ups throughout the year.

Together, these actions help reduce litter, protect the environment and keep our public spaces clean and enjoyable for everyone.
 

What can you do to support?

• Dispose of waste correctly.
• Report illegal dumping incidents and litter issues through Council’s Log it / Fix it portal.
• Take part in community clean-ups and help spread positive habits and awareness.