Illegal dumping is the unlawful disposal of any type of waste material that is 200 litres or more in volume (about the volume of a wheelie bin). Illegal dumping is a serious issue. It damages our environment and affects the use, enjoyment and value of our public spaces. It also costs thousands of dollars each year in clean-up expenses, which is money that could go to other community services and amenities. Dumping green waste and soil can also introduce invasive pests and weeds and it increases the risk of bush fires.
Common illegally dumped items include:
- household rubbish
- garden waste
- household goods (such as whitegoods, TVs, mattresses and furniture)
- building waste (construction and demolition materials)
- tyres
- chemical drums and paint tins
- asbestos.
We can all agree that it’s not OK to use our community as a dumpsite! Unfortunately, a small number of people are spoiling our natural areas for everyone else. Illegal dumping is a crime and you can be reported and fined.
Fines for illegal dumping are more than $2,000 for an individual and up to $133,450 in court, or $6,500 for a corporation and up to $667,250 in court.
Council’s website provides information about local disposal options, including locations of landfill or waste transfer stations, opening hours, tipping costs and items that you can dispose of for free, including green waste.
You can play your part in keeping the North Burnett region beautiful, clean and healthy, by disposing of waste responsibly and reporting illegal dumping at www.qld.gov.au/litter.
For further information, contact Council’s Environmental Health team on 1300 696 272 or email admin@northburnett.qld.gov.au.
Media Contact
1300 696 272 | media@northburnett.qld.gov.au