Litter and illegal rubbish dumping

Rubbish dumping is an offence under the Litter Act 1979, with a maximum fine of $400 or imprisonment.

Why is illegal dumping a problem?

• Hazards and risks – dumped waste can be dangerous to people, particularly when it includes hazardous waste like sharp objects and asbestos.
• Rising costs – to Council and to you! Removing illegally dumped waste costs a lot of money.
• Environmental damage – dumped materials can harm the local environment by killing birds and fish, damaging plants, soil and waterways.
• Decreasing property and community value – illegal dumping areas are ugly and we want the community to be proud of our clean city and our visitors to enjoy it too.

Find out more in our Litter and infringement notices brochure (PDF 412.4 KB).

What can you do?

If you find litter or see illegal dumping, contact us on 04 570 6666 or log it online through our Report a problem tool.